Are you running a Food Business for a very long or earned a major place recently in the food market across the Nation or worldwide, have experience supplying government offices and departments? Or trading worth with a turnover above Rs.20 Crore? or Busy with Food Export-Import wishing to grow further?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an important government body dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food across India. By setting and monitoring food safety standards, FSSAI works to protect public health and create awareness about food safety practices. A significant part of this effort is the FSSAI Central License, which is mandatory for certain large-scale food businesses. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The organization sets guidelines and regulations that ensure food products are safe for consumption. FSSAI manages the entire food supply chain, from production to retail, to guarantee that food businesses adhere to safety norms.
Key Functions of FSSAI:
- Developing Safety Guidelines:
FSSAI creates various norms that food businesses must follow. These guidelines help prevent health risks related to unsafe food practices.
- Raising Food Safety Awareness:
The authority runs educational initiatives to inform the public about food safety, encouraging people to be more conscious of what they consume.
- Issuing Licenses and Registrations:
FSSAI provides mandatory licenses and registrations to Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure they comply with safety standards.
- Advising the Government:
FSSAI acts as an advisory body, suggesting new policies and updates related to food safety regulations.
- Enforcing the Food Safety Act, 2006:
FSSAI enforces the laws and ensures all food-related activities align with the Act. They issue guidelines to help food businesses remain compliant.
- Taking Legal Action Against Violators:
The authority investigates and prosecutes food businesses involved in illegal practices like food adulteration, ensuring strict adherence to food safety laws.
In essence, FSSAI plays an important role in protecting the nation’s food supply, ensuring businesses follow high standards of hygiene and quality. The FSSAI Central License is a high-level certification for food businesses that exceed a certain scale of operation. Specifically, this license is mandatory for:
- Food businesses with an annual turnover over Rs. 20 crores.
- Companies involved in the import or export of food products.
- Businesses that operate across multiple states.
Getting this license signifies that a business adheres to the highest food safety standards and is committed to delivering safe and high-quality products to consumers.
In the present column, we are talking only with regards to FSSAI Central License. But if you are looking for an answer to your FSSAI Registration or The State License or anything in context with the FSSAI Compliance then, do visit us at compliance calendar.in. You can also book one on one conversation with our Professional for a consultation to solve even the slightest of issue you may be facing on 9988424211 or send us your inquiry at info@ccoffice.in
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The Central license from the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a license certificate that helps you run your food business smoothly in the market without any suspicion or repetitive investigation by the teams of experts and helps your food business earn more public trust and goodwill. As, per the FSSAI the central License is a requirement or mandatory for all food businesses involved in the manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, or retailing of food products. Based on the nature of the activity of the business, and the annual turnover of minimum 20Crores the FSSAI Central License could be issued by the Central FSSAI Regulators.
Duties of FSSAI in India
FSSAI has various responsibilities to ensure food safety in India:
- Making Food Safety Norms
- FSSAI carefully makes guidelines and norms to ensure food businesses meet strict safety and hygiene standards.
- The authority establishes a regulatory framework to minimize and manage risks related to food safety.
- Nationwide Food Safety Awareness
- FSSAI organizes initiatives to educate the public on the importance of food safety practices.
- These efforts are aimed at creating a culture of awareness so that consumers can make informed decisions about the food they consume.
- Granting Licenses and Registrations
- The agency issues licenses and registrations to Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in food production, distribution, and retail.
- Licensing enforces accountability, making sure businesses comply with safety and hygiene standards.
- Advising the Government of India
- FSSAI provides suggestions to the Government of India for developing new food safety policies.
- They work closely with research institutions and industry experts to propose innovative and effective measures.
- Issuing Directions as per the Food Safety Act
- The organization releases guidelines that align with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- These directives help food businesses maintain compliance and uphold the integrity of the regulatory framework.
- Enforcing Legal Measures Against Non-Compliance
- FSSAI monitors food businesses and takes legal action against those involved in unsafe or illegal practices, like food adulteration.
Types of Businesses That Require FSSAI Central License
Certain types of food businesses are required by law to obtain the FSSAI Central License to operate legally. Here are some examples:
- Restaurants: Large dining establishments with significant annual revenue.
- E-commerce Food Businesses: Online platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and companies selling home-cooked food.
- Importers and Exporters: Businesses that deal with the international trade of food products.
- Food Producers: Companies manufacturing items like tea powder, coffee, or dairy products.
- Supermarkets and Retail Chains: Large grocery stores with multiple outlets.
- Hotels: Establishments with a 5-star or 7-star rating.
- Food Storage Facilities: Businesses with extensive cold storage or warehousing operations.
- Food Transport Companies: Companies using more than 100 vehicles for food distribution.
- Event Caterers: Businesses providing food services for large events.
- Hospital Canteens: Medical institutions with food services.
Any food-related business with an annual turnover over Rs. 20 crores or those operating in multiple states must have the FSSAI Central License.
Benefits of Having an FSSAI Central License
The following are the benefits of FSSAI Central License:
- Global Recognition:
The license gives your business a reputation that’s recognized internationally, opening doors for global trade and partnerships.
- Ease of Business Expansion:
With an FSSAI Central License, expanding to new locations becomes simpler. It also helps in securing loans and investments more easily.
- Legal Protection:
The license provides legal protection, ensuring your business operates without the fear of penalties or shutdowns.
- Building Consumer Trust:
Today’s consumers care about food safety. Having an FSSAI Registration or License shows that your business prioritizes quality, which helps attract more customers.
- Reorganized Operations:
The FSSAI license often makes it easier to obtain approvals and clearances from other regulatory bodies.
Requirements for Getting an FSSAI Central License
To qualify for the FSSAI Central License, businesses must meet specific criteria:
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crores
- Operating in more than one state
- Production capacity exceeding set limits, such as:
- Dairy units producing over 50,000 liters per year.
- Meat processing units with a daily output of more than 50 KG.
- Vegetable oil processing units handling over 2 metric tons per day.
Additional Conditions:
- Hotels with a 5-star or 7-star rating.
- Food businesses with refrigeration facilities exceeding 1,000 metric tons of storage.
- Companies dealing with the import and export of food items.
- Large-scale catering services, like those operating in airports and seaports.
Meeting these criteria ensures that your business is eligible to apply for the FSSAI entral License.
Documents Required for FSSAI Central License
Applying for the FSSAI Central License requires submitting several documents. Here’s a detailed list:
- Form B:
A completed and signed application form.
- Layout Plan:
A floor plan of your facility, showing important areas and their dimensions.
- Key Personnel Information:
- Partnership Deed:
For Partnership Firms, along with names and contact details of partners.
- Address Proof:
Electricity bill, rent agreement, or property registry.
- Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS):
A detailed plan outlining safety measures you follow.
- List of Equipment and Machines:
Information about machinery used at your facility.
- Raw Material Supplier Details:
A list of your raw material suppliers.
- No Objection Certificate:
From local authorities, if needed.
- Tourism Certificate (for Hotels):
Issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Import Export Code (for Exporters/Importers):
Provided by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
- Declaration for Turnover:
A statement confirming that your business turnover exceeds Rs. 20 crores.
Ensuring that all these documents are complete and accurate will make the application process smoother.
Step-by-Step Process to Get the FSSAI Central License
The following is the process to get FSSAI Central License Online:
Step 1: Filing the Application (Form B)
- Start by filling out Form B and submit it to the licensing authority, ensuring you meet the basic criteria for turnover or operational scale.
Step 2: Document Review
- FSSAI officials will carefully review your application and the attached documents to check for any missing or incorrect details.
Step 3: Site Inspection
- An on-site inspection will be conducted at your facility. FSSAI officers will assess whether your business complies with safety norms. If issues are found, it could delay your approval.
Step 4: Approval and License Issuance
- Once everything is verified, the license will be granted. The entire process can take a few days or weeks, depending on the inspection results.
Step 5: Run Your Business
After receiving the license, your business is legally authorized to operate at full scale, complying with all FSSAI guidelines
Validity and Renewal of the FSSAI Central License
Validity Period
- The license is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on what you choose when applying. The cost increases with the length of the validity period.
Renewal Process
- You must renew the license before it expires. The ideal time to start the renewal process is at least 30 days before the expiry date.
- The renewal process requires submitting updated documents, including:
- Passport-size photographs
- ID and address proofs
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement with a No Objection Certificate from the landlord
Avoiding Penalties
- Renewing your license on time is important. Delayed renewal may lead to fines and disrupt your business operations.
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