There were a large number of restaurants and roadside stalls in the past and the business was booming. Due to lack of customers and non-compliance with policies, many businesses and stalls were forced to close due to the pandemic. So it’s important for you to understand how to get a food license in India and what you need to do.
The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) is an important agency for monitoring food safety and quality. It is important to understand the difference between registering and receiving an FSSAI license. A food license can be obtained online in India by using this method.
FSSAI: What is it?
Indian government regulates all food-related businesses through the Food Safety and Standards Authority. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act), the FSSAI and FoSCos are the two bodies that govern the business. The department is responsible for ensuring that food safety and regulations in India comply with international standards.
Together, the FSSAI and FoSCos deal with food-related issues and ensure that food products are of the highest quality. Adulteration and substandard food products are prevented by them. They are responsible for registering and regulating Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India. The FSSAI restaurant guidelines are also taken into account before granting a license.
How does the FSSAI License differ from the FSSAI Registration?
In order to sell food in India, all food vendors must apply for FSSAI registration, regardless of revenue or size. Those who sell food to the public are required to register with the FSSAI. Petty sellers include:
- A hawker, vendor, or small stall owner produces and sells food by himself.
- Other than caterers, distribute food at religious or social events.
- Companies with fewer than 12 lakhs in revenue.
- Food produced is less than 100 kg or liter per day.
- Collect and handle about 5000 liters of milk per day.
- The average day’s production of meat should be two large animals, ten small animals, or fifty chickens.
FSSAI License: Anyone who does not qualify as a petty seller has to register for an FSSAI license. In India, food businesses require FSSAI licenses. The food business’s annual revenue determines whether the license is required.
FSSAI licenses are available in two forms: State FSSAI licenses and Central FSSAI licenses. A license from the FSSAI is required of large food manufacturers, processors, transporters, and importers. This license is for medium-sized food processors, manufacturers, and transportation companies.
FSSAI license applications are more detailed than online FSSAI registrations. As requested by the food business, the FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years. A longer duration of validity of the license will result in higher fees, whereas a shorter duration will result in lower fees. Shorter duration licenses need to be reissued according to the requirements.
An FSSAI license is different from an FSSAI registration because of how the business is used. Qualifications relevant to the application process differ between the two categories. A petty business can apply to one if its revenue is below 12 lakhs, but a larger business can apply to both.
Conclusion
In the food industry, FSSAI licenses and registrations are responsible for monitoring the production, processing, and supply of food. Under the rules and regulations of FSSAI and FoSCoS, registration under the FSSAI is the basic form of registration. In contrast, FSSAI licenses are for large and medium-sized businesses.