Food works as fuel in our human body, and it is the provider’s responsibility to keep a close check of the quality. Like any other product in the market, food also requires a stamp duty from an approved organization. That job is governed by the FSSAI (food safety and standards authority) in India.
FSSAI offers a food licence registration which is governed by an autonomous organization that performs its duty under the ministry of health and family welfare, GoI (government of India). It is obliged to regulate and licensing food safety and hygiene standards among the food business operators across the country. Also, it offers FSSAI registration for E-commerce, retailers, restaurants, grocery shops and so forth.
According to the food safety and standards act, 2006 (FSS, act), it is compulsory for all food providers (restaurants, retailers and so forth) to get their FSSAI registration done. Nowadays, customers are more aware of the food they are intaking, so any business involved in the food industry should get their FSSAI registration done.
Now, let’s look into the aspects of the FSSAI registration for retailers, grocery shops, E-commerce, restaurants, and so forth and all the nuances concerning it.
Defining the FSSAI registration
When registered under the FSSAI, a fourteen-digit number will be given to the business. This number, along with the FSSAI logo, has to be affixed on the food packages. Also, these measures are compulsory for all the food business operators (FBOs) involved in the food business to ensure the quality of the product is top-notch and not being compromised.
Types of the FSSAI registration
Central license
FBOs such as e-commerce, retailers, grocery shops, restaurants and so forth, which comes under schedule one of FSS regulations, 2011 and are running in more than one state, are advised to get the central FSSAI registration done for the central license. FBOs with a turnover of more than Rs. Twenty crores should also go for the central FSSAI license. Also, the validity of such a license is about one to five years.
State license
t is needed for all the small to medium-sized food business operators (FBOs) to obtain the FSSAI state permit. This permission is to be given by the state government to those operators who have activities just in one state. For example, one should be running operations only in Gujarat to obtain the FSSAI license of Gujarat. Also, all the companies with turnover more than Rs. 12 lacs and less than Rs. Twenty lacs are obliged to obtain the state license. Its validity is up to 1-5 years.
Basic registration
A business whose annual turnover is not more than Rs. 12 lacs are not likely to go for basic registration. This license holds a maximum tenure of five years and with a minimum tenure of one year.
Steps to register FSSAI.
Step one – you should visit the official website and see if you are qualified for a state license, basis license or a central license. Also, applicants who sought FSSAI license for starting a food business is made checked for the eligibility for one of the above, depending on the turnover.
Step two – click on the sign-up link on the website. Enter the credential required in the sign-up form, along with your email ID and phone number.
Step three – make an account by selecting an apt username and password for your account.
Step four – log in to your FSSAI account once you receive the email or SMS of confirmation. One should remember that the account created will be available for just one month, after which automatic deactivation happens. Likewise, within that window, the account owner should apply for the FSSAI license.
Step five – fill in the credentials after logging in to your FSSAI account. You should also remember that the FSSAI registration process should be completed in one go. Otherwise, the form will deem uncompleted and will be denied. Also, you are obliged to begin the process again.
Step six – make a copy of it and take a printout before filing the completed form. It is advisable to have a hard copy of the registration as it might assist you in the future.
Step seven – you can see the reference number on the form once the registration is done. Jot down the number or save it to check the progress of the application.
Step eight – the FSSAI application generally takes up to seven days. If registration has been approved, you will get the registration certificate with the FSSAI registration number. Similarly, if it is denied, you will be informed of the same.
FSSAI plays a crucial role in protecting public health across the country via its operational framework, testing labs, food safety guidelines, and other such initiatives; that’s why it becomes crucial to get the FSSAI registration done.
