Food License: Navigating Quality Assurance

Sadique and Ameen Associates: Your Trusted Advisors for Food License Services

At Sadique and Ameen Associates, we understand the importance of compliance in the complex world of business regulations. One such essential aspect is obtaining a Food Licence, a legal document that not only showcases your commitment to quality but also ensures you’re cohering to the necessary standards.

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    Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

    Food License, also known as a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI License, is a mandatory requirement for any business involved in the production, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food products. It’s a legal affirmation that your food-related activities align with the prescribed guidelines, safeguarding the health and well-being of your consumers.

    In accordance with Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all Food Business Operators (FBOs) across the nation must secure a License from the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The process and prerequisites for Food license and registration are governed by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. A Food Safety and Standards Authority of India License or Registration is an essential requirement for any food business in India engaged in food manufacturing, storage, transportation, or distribution. The type of FoodLicense required depends on the size and nature of the company.

    Every Food Business Operator (FBO) is given a 14-digit FSSAI license number, which needs to be affixed on the food product packaging along with the FSSAI logo. This unique 14-digit FSSAI license number, displayed on the food package or establishment, serves as a means to verify the authenticity and standing of the FSSAI license.

    FoodLicense is more than just a legal obligation; it’s a mark of your dedication to providing safe and hygienic food. It assures your customers that the food they consume meets the required quality standards.

    FSSAI REGISTRATION PROCESS

    FSSAI License Registration process includes the identification of type of business, its turnover and production capacity. Accordingly the steps has to be taken.

    Which Food Business Operators need to obtain Food License Registration?

    FSSAI Registration is mandatory for FBOs involved in the following food businesses:

    Petty retailers, Retail Shops, Snacks shops, Confectionery or Bakery shops, etc.

    Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises engaged in preparing, storing, distributing, and selling food products.

    Hawkers selling packaged or freshly prepared food while traveling from one location to another.

    Dairy Units, including Milk Chilling Units, Petty Milkmen, and Milk Vendors.

    Slaughtering house

    Fish Processing, Meat Processing, and units.

    Vegetable Oil Processing Units.

    Proprietary food and Novel food.

    Cold/refrigerated storage facility.

    Transporters of food products with specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.

    Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products.

    Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars.

    Canteens and Cafeteria, including mid-day meal canteens.

    Food Vending Agencies and Caterers.

    Dhabas, PGs providing food, Banquet halls with food catering arrangements, Home Based Canteens, and Food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.

    Importers and Exporters of food items and food ingredients.

    E-Commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens

    Benefits of Food License online registration include:

    Credibility: Customers trust establishments that prioritize safety.

    Legal Compliance: Avoid fines, closures, or legal actions.

    Consumer Confidence: Your commitment to quality boosts loyalty.

    FSSAI Registration and FSSAI License

    Obtaining FSSAI registration or FSSAI License depends on factors such as business type, turnover, and production capacity. Depending on these aspects, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are eligible for essential, central, or state Licenses.

    FSSAI Registration:

    FBOs with a turnover of less than Rs.12 lakh per annum must acquire FSSAI registration. Petty food manufacturers can also obtain this registration. To obtain FSSAIregistration, applicants need to complete Form A, the designated FSSAI registration form.

    FSSAI State License:

    Food businesses with a turnover exceeding Rs.12 lakh per annum but not surpassing Rs.20 crore per annum should obtain the FSSAI state License. Form B is the FSSAI registration form for obtaining an FSSAI state License. FBOs, including small to medium-sized manufacturing units, storage facilities, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors, etc., must secure FSSAI registration from the state government.

    FSSAI Central License:

    If a food business’s turnover exceeds Rs.20 crore per annum, obtaining the FSSAI central License is essential. To obtain the primary FSSAI FoodLicense, applicants need to complete Form B, the FSSAI registration form. Food business operators such as 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, importers, and those operating under Central Government Agencies, airports, seaports, etc., need to obtain FSSAI registration from the central government.

    Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI Registration Online

    FBOs can obtain FSSAI registration online by filling and submitting the FSSAI registration form, i.e. Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) on the FoSCoS portal.
    For FSSAI registration online, necessary documents should either be uploaded online through the FoSCos portal during the application submission or physically submitted to the Food and Safety Department along with the application.

    Advantages of acquiring Food License Registration:

    1. Legal compliance: The License ensures adherence to the food safety regulations and legal requirements, safeguarding the business from potential penalties and legal issues.
    2. Enhanced food safety: With FSSAI guidelines in place, the business can implement robust food safety measures, reassuring customers about the quality of the food products.
    3. Positive reputation: Holding an FSSAI License enhances the business’s reputation, as it demonstrates a commitment to providing safe and high-quality food items to consumers.
    4. Consumer confidence: The FSSAI certification fosters consumer awareness and confidence in the products, knowing they comply with food safety standards.
    5. Regulated operations: The FSSAILicense facilitates efficient regulation of various aspects of the food business, including manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of imported food items.
    6. Investor attraction: Having an FSSAI License can make it easier for entrepreneurs to attract funding from investors, as it signifies a credible and compliant business operation.
    7. Quality assurance: Displaying FSSAI logos on food products assures customers of their quality and adherence to safety guidelines.
    8. Hygiene standards: The FSSAI registration number prominently displayed at the food premises indicates the business’s compliance with strict hygiene and quality standards, instilling further confidence in customers.

    Validity of Food License Registration

    The FSSAI License/Registration remains valid for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the Food Business Operator’s choice, starting from the date of issuance. To ensure uninterrupted validity, the FBO needs to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the current License/registration’s expiration date.

    Fee Structure

    To get the FSSAI License/Registration, the Food Business Operator (FBO) must pay the fee mentioned below:


    S.No Details Fees
    1 Manufacturing License Rs.2000 to 7500 per year
    2 Registration Certificate Rs.100 per year
    3 Modification of License and Certificate Rs.1000 for the License and Rs.100 for the registration
    4 Renewal of License and Certificate Same as New License/Registration

    Some FSSAI License document vary respectively.

    Documents Required for FSSAI Registration Certificate

    Photograph of the Applicant

    Government-issued photo identities such as AADHAAR, PAN, Voter ID, etc

    Proof of Address of Businesses activity (if the address is other than as mentioned in the Photo ID Card)

    Documents for Renewal/Modification of License

    Any change in documents or information provided during the grant of the previous food business license.

    Certificate of Food Safety Management System being adopted

    Medical fitness certificates of all workers engaged in the firm

    All details of technical personnel in charge of the operation

    Documents required for Renewal of Registration/License

    Any change in documents or information provided during the grant of the previous registration

    FSSAI Renewal Process

    The FSSAI certificate is valid for one year, but you can choose to extend it for up to five years. When the license is about to expire, food business operators need to apply for a renewal to continue their operations smoothly. To simplify and expedite the process, you can reach out to our Sadique and Ameen Associates for assistance.

    To renew its food license documentshas to be provided by FBO as per the renewal requirements.

    Basic FSSAI License Renewal

    Passport Size Photograph of Applicant.

    For FSSAI license renewal, identification proof like a voter ID or an Aadhar card is required.

    PAN Card & Address Proof like any utility bill.

    A copy of the lease and the landlord's NOC, if the property is rented.

    State FSSAI License Renewal

    PAN Card & Address Proof like any utility bill.

    Copy of Property Papers If Owned.

    Passport Size Photograph of Applicant.

    Information about Proprietors / Partners / Directors/ Executive Members of Society.

    Latest Passport size Photograph of the Applicant.

    Identification proof (Voter ID card or Aadhaar Card) & PAN Card.

    NOC from the manufacturer (in case of Distributor) / NOC from the Municipality or local body.

    FSSAI License Renewal of Manufacturing and Processing Units

    List/Name of Equipment and Machinery.

    List of food categories to be produced.

    Letter of authority from the designated responsible party with name and address provided by the manufacturer to obtain the renewal of the fssai license.

    Report on the analysis of water from a reputable laboratory that focuses on public health that will be utilized as an ingredient in the food.

    Consequences for Non-Compliance + Penalty: Risking Your Business

    Operating without a Food License can lead to dire consequences. Not only can it damage your reputation, but it can also result in hefty penalties, closure orders, and even imprisonment. Don’t put your business at risk; prioritize compliance.

    In order to govern the food industry effectively, the FSSAI Act outlines various penalties and offenses for non-compliance. This article examines some important FSSAI fines and violations.

    Few of the penalties are listed below:

    Section 50: Penalty for selling food not of the nature or substance, or quality demanded.

    Any person who sells food that does not comply with the provisions of the FSSAI Act or regulations, or does not meet the nature, substance, or quality expected by the purchaser, may be subject to a penalty of up to five lakh rupees.
    For non-compliance falling under subsection (2) of section 31, the penalty may not exceed twenty-fivethousand rupees.

    Section 52: Penalty for misbranded food

    Any person who manufactures, stores, sells, distributes, or imports any misbranded food article for human consumption may face a penalty of up to three lakh rupees.
    The Adjudicating Officer may direct the guilty party to take corrective action to rectify the mistake, or the article of food may be destroyed.

    Section 63: Punishment for carrying out a business without an FSSAI License

    Any person or food business operator (excluding those exempted from licensing under subsection (2) of section 31 of this Act) who, either by themselves or through another person, is obligated to obtain a License but conducts the manufacturing, selling, storing, distribution, or import of any food item without a permit, may be subject to imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to five lakh rupees.

    Section 64: Punishment for subsequent offenses

    If any person, after being found guilty under the FSSAI Act, commits the same offense again and is convicted, the following penalties may apply:

    • Cancellation of FSSAI License.
    • An additional daily fine of up to one lakh rupees for continuing offenses.
    • Twice the punishment that could have been imposed on the first conviction, up to the maximum sentence provided for the same offense.

    Safeguard Your Business with Expert Care

    In the world of complex regulations, Sadique and Ameen Associates stand as your partners in ensuring smooth and error-free compliance. Apply for food license with us our careful approach, in-depth knowledge, and commitment to excellence make us your ideal choice for obtaining and maintaining your Food Licence. Don’t leave compliance to chance – let our experts guide you toward a successful and secure business journey.

    Reach out to Sadique and Ameen Associates today, and let us be your compass in the realm of Food Licence compliance.

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