The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body beneath the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Established beneath the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is in charge of protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. One of the core functions of FSSAI could be the registration and licensing of food businesses. FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India, which range from street vendors to large food manufacturers, importers, and distributors. This registration is crucial to ensure that the food being produced, stored, distributed, or sold is safe for consumption.
The procedure of FSSAI registration is relatively straightforward and is made to categorize food businesses based on their scale and risk factor. For smaller food businesses, such as for example petty retailers, hawkers, or temporary stall holders, a Basic Registration is required. This is applicable if the annual
fssai license renewal of the business is below Rs. 12 lakhs. The registration process involves submitting a straightforward application form along side basic documentation such as identity proof and address proof. The registration certificate is usually issued within a few days, provided all the data is in order. This certificate, including a 14-digit registration number, must certanly be prominently displayed at the spot of business.
For larger food businesses, or those working with higher risk categories, an FSSAI license is required. There are two forms of licenses: State License and Central License. A State License is required for medium-sized businesses having an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores. On one other hand, a Central License is mandatory for larger businesses, importers, and those operating in multiple states or having an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores. The licensing process is more rigorous and requires the submission of detailed information regarding the business enterprise operations, like the kinds of food handled, safety protocols, and infrastructure facilities.
One of many primary benefits of obtaining FSSAI registration or licensing may be the enhancement of consumer trust. The FSSAI mark is just a sign of quality and safety assurance, which can significantly boost a business's reputation. People are increasingly becoming conscious of food safety standards and prefer to buy from businesses that are compliant with FSSAI regulations. Moreover, FSSAI registration helps in establishing a structured framework for food safety management, ensuring that the business enterprise adheres to prescribed standards and practices, which often can reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses and enhance public health outcomes.