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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products across the country. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
FSSAI Registration: FSSAI registration is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India, including manufacturers, traders, restaurants, grocery stores, importers, exporters, and even those involved in the handling and transportation of food products. Depending on the size and nature of the business, FBOs may either require an FSSAI registration or an FSSAI license.
FoS CoS is (Food safety Compliance Safety) registration in FSAAI one must visit the official website and refer to the chart/table mentioning fees structure as per the kind of business.
Key Functions- Standards Setting: FSSAI sets food safety standards based on science and risk assessment. These standards cover various aspects such as additives, contaminants, heavy metals, residues, and processing aids.
- Licensing and Registration: It mandates the registration and licensing of food businesses to ensure adherence to safety standards. Different levels of licenses are issued based on the scale and nature of the food business.
- Inspections and Compliance: FSSAI conducts regular inspections and audits of food businesses. It ensures compliance with safety standards and takes enforcement actions, including penalties and product recalls, for non-compliance.
- Laboratory Testing: FSSAI has a network of accredited laboratories across India for testing food samples. This helps in monitoring the quality of food and detecting contaminants and adulterants.
- Training and Capacity Building: It provides training and resources to food business operators (FBOs) and regulatory staff to enhance their understanding of food safety practices.
- Eat Right India: A flagship campaign to promote healthy eating habits among Indians, focusing on reducing salt, sugar, and fat in diets.
- Fortification of Food: FSSAI promotes the fortification of staple foods (like rice, wheat, milk, and oil) with essential nutrients to combat malnutrition.
- Food Safety Mitra (FSM): A scheme to engage trained professionals to assist small and medium food businesses in complying with FSSAI regulations.
- Clean Street Food Hubs: An initiative to ensure hygiene and safety in street food through the certification of vendors and hawkers.
- Food Safety on Wheels: Mobile units equipped with testing facilities and training resources to promote food safety in remote areas.
Why is FSSAI Registration Done?
- Ensures Food Safety: FSSAI registration ensures that the food products being manufactured, stored, distributed, and sold are safe for consumption. It helps maintain food safety standards and hygiene practices.
- Legal Compliance: FSSAI registration is a legal requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Operating a food business without this registration can lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- Consumer Trust: An FSSAI registration number on food products helps build trust with consumers. It signifies that the product has met the necessary safety and quality standards, thereby enhancing the credibility of the food business.
- Market Access: FSSAI registration is often required for market access, especially in the retail and export sectors. Many buyers and retailers will only deal with FBOs that are FSSAI compliant.
- Regulatory Oversight: It allows FSSAI to monitor food businesses and take necessary actions to prevent food adulteration, contamination, and other malpractices that can harm public health.
- Standardization: FSSAI registration helps in the standardization of food products, ensuring uniformity in quality and safety across the food industry in India.
In summary, FSSAI registration is crucial for ensuring that food products meet safety standards, protecting public health, and fostering consumer trust in the food industry.
FSSAI Registration Eligibility
FSSAI registration or licensing is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India, irrespective of the size or type of business. The eligibility for FSSAI registration or licensing depends on the scale of operations, type of food business, and turnover. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
- Basic FSSAI Registration
- Eligibility:
- Small Food Businesses: This registration is applicable to small-scale FBOs with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
- Petty Food Manufacturers: Includes small manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors.
- Food Hawkers and Street Vendors: Individuals selling food on the streets or small stalls.
- Home-based Food Businesses: Individuals or small-scale businesses operating from home, such as home bakers, caterers, and small food processing units.
- Examples:
- Local grocery shops.
- Small food retailers.
- Street food vendors.
- Home-based food producers.
- Eligibility:
- State FSSAI License
- Eligibility:
- Medium-Sized Food Businesses: FBOs with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
- Manufacturers and Processors: Units involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, or relabeling with a capacity that exceeds the limit specified under basic registration but falls under state license criteria.
- Storage and Distribution: Businesses involved in the storage or distribution of food products within the same state.
- Restaurants and Caterers: Medium-sized restaurants, catering services, and food chains operating within a single state.
- Examples:
- Mid-sized food manufacturing units.
- State-wide food retailers and wholesalers.
- Mid-sized food storage facilities.
- Restaurants and catering services operating within a state.
- Eligibility:
- Central FSSAI License
- Eligibility:
- Large Food Businesses: FBOs with an annual turnover of more than ₹20 crores.
- Exporters and Importers: Businesses involved in the import and export of food products.
- Multi-State Operations: Food businesses operating in more than one state.
- Large Manufacturers and Processors: Units with a large production capacity, especially those involved in the manufacture, storage, and distribution of food on a large scale.
- Specific Food Categories: Businesses involved in specific food categories, such as milk, meat, and seafood processing units, where high capacity operations are involved.
- Examples:
- Large food processing companies.
- Exporters and importers of food products.
- Large-scale restaurants or food chains with operations across multiple states.
- Central government-run food production units.
- Special Categories
- Railways and Airlines: FBOs involved in providing food services on trains or airlines must obtain a central FSSAI license.
- E-commerce Food Business Operators: Online food delivery platforms or businesses operating through e-commerce platforms also require an FSSAI license based on their turnover and operations.
- Eligibility:
- Basic Registration: Turnover up to ₹12 lakhs.
- State License: Turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
- Central License: Turnover above ₹20 crores or businesses operating in multiple states.
FSSAI plays a critical role in safeguarding public health through the regulation of food safety standards in India. Its ongoing efforts to modernize, educate, and enforce food safety are crucial for maintaining trust in the food supply chain and ensuring the well-being of the population.
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