The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The primary role of FSSAI is to ensure food safety and hygiene in the country. FSSAI has come up with a regulatory framework to ensure that food businesses comply with the guidelines laid down by the authority. One of the most crucial components of this framework is the FSSAI license.
The FSSAI license is a mandatory requirement for any food business operator in India. It is a legal permit that indicates that the food business complies with the guidelines and regulations set by the FSSAI for ensuring food safety and hygiene. There are three types of FSSAI license, each of which caters to a different segment of the food industry. These are:
1. Basic FSSAI License:
The basic FSSAI license is meant for food businesses that have an annual turnover of up to Rs.12 lakhs. This license is issued to small businesses such as petty retailers, cottage industries or slightly larger food businesses such as small-scale manufacturers, packers, and repackers, etc.
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a basic FSSAI license are quite simple. Any food business operator that has a turnover of less than Rs.12 lakhs per annum can apply for this license. The following documents are required to obtain a Basic FSSAI License:
- A formal application of the food business
- Passport size photograph of the proprietor or partners or directors
- ID proof of proprietor or partners or directors
- Proof of address of the food business
- A legal entity proof such as a proprietorship registration or a partnership deed, etc.
- A food safety management system plan
The Basic FSSAI license is valid for a duration of one to five years, depending on the preference of the food business operator. The license can be renewed before the expiry date to avoid penalty charges.
2. State FSSAI License:
State FSSAI license is required for food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakhs but less than Rs.20 crores. This license is issued to medium-scale food businesses, such as manufacturers, distributors, suppliers or importers, etc., that operate within one state or union territory.
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a State FSSAI license are also quite straightforward. Food business operators with an annual turnover of more than Rs.12 lakhs and less than Rs.20 crores can apply for the State FSSAI license. The following documents are required to obtain this license:
- A formal application of the food business
- Passport size photographs of the proprietor or partners or directors as mentioned in the application
- ID proof of the proprietor or partners or directors
- Proof of address of the food business
- Legal entity proof such as a partnership deed, memorandum of association or articles of association, etc.
- A certificate of incorporation if the food business is a company
- A summary of the food safety management system plan
- Additional documents depending on the type of food business such as a manufacturing license, import/export license, etc.
The State FSSAI license is valid for a duration of one to five years and can be renewed before the expiry date.
3. Central FSSAI License:
Central FSSAI license is mandatory for food businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 crores. This license is issued to large-scale food businesses that operate throughout India, such as large manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, and suppliers, etc.
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Central FSSAI license is straightforward. Food business operators with an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 crores can apply for the Central FSSAI license. The following documents are required to obtain this license:
- A formal application of the food business
- Passport size photographs of the proprietor or partners or directors mentioned in the application
- ID proof of the proprietor or partners or directors
- Proof of address of the food business
- Legal entity proof such as a partnership deed, memorandum of association or articles of association, etc.
- A certificate of incorporation if the food business is a company
- A summary of the food safety management system plan
- Additional documents depending on the type of food business such as a manufacturing license, import/export license, etc.
The Central FSSAI license is valid for a duration of one to five years and can be renewed before the expiry date.
In conclusion, the food safety and hygiene standards in India have significantly improved due to the efforts made by FSSAI. The three types of FSSAI licenses Basic, State, and Central have been designed to cater to different segments of the food industry. Obtaining an FSSAI license is a mandatory requirement for all food business operators in India, and it indicates that the food business complies with the guidelines and regulations set by the FSSAI for ensuring food safety and hygiene
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