FSSAI Full Form & Meaning
FSSAI full form is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) which is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FSSAI is an authority to provide a food license to every food business operator (FBO) in India. It ensures that food business operators run their businesses with an appropriate license. Additionally, It is entirely responsible for setting the standard and principles and controls for the welfare of food businesses in India. They also ensure that food products which are available in market are free from perilous and toxic mixtures. The food must be safe for human consumption and also fulfil quality requirements which is determine by the authority.
All involved in food business must obtain a 14-digit registration Number or a Food license number which must be printed on food packages and also displayed in Premises. This 14 digit FSSAI license number gives data about the producer’s permit or enrolment subtle elements, and the assembling state. Additionally, FBOs are required to follow the FSSAI rules and regulations. About 80% of food product have a specification by FSSAI, however, only sea products and production involving fishermen and farmers are out of the ambit of the act.
Benefits of a FSSAI Registration
- Customer’s Trust
- An authentic communication gains a customer’s trust over your product. It will also keep the customers from unhealthy and adulterated food supply. Government of India recognizes the FSSAI Registration, as a result, customer trust your product and it creates a large base of consumers.
- Privileges of Government Funding and Loans
- Additionally, The registration will offer the privileges of Government Funding and Loans that can be easily accessible for the business operators.
- Goodwill
- The use of FSSAI logo on your product will also create goodwill trustworthiness amongst the consumers.
- Brand Value
- A company will automatically acquire Brand Value once it is registered.
- Expansion of Business
- Additionally, the license will provide a wider scope and privilege of expansion at any geographic location.
- Non Compliance
- Government will take action and bestow the help on the company in case of any non-compliance issue.
Who requires a Food License?
Every Food Business Operator is required to be licensed/registered under the FSSAI. If your business falls in any one of the below-listed categories, then a food license is mandatory for you:
- Hotels
- Wholesaler
- Restaurants
- Food chains
- Food sellers and resellers
- Dairy and dairy processing
- Food importers and exporters
- Processors like pickle and dry fruit maker
- Raw material suppliers to food businesses
- Retailers & establishments who have a retail outlet
- Simple transporters who transfer items from one location to another
- Canteens in corporations, schools, colleges, hospitals and also government institutions
- Packaged food manufacturers who produce items such as biscuits and ready to eat products
- Storage units and warehouses require a food safety registration instead of a production license.
Types of FSSAI License
| License Type | Eligibility | Validity | Fee/year |
| FSSAI Basic License | Annual turnover of the business is less than 12 lakhs | 1 year | Rs. 100 |
| FSSAI State License | Annual turnover of the business is between 12 to 20 crores | 1 To 5 Years | Rs. 2000-5000 |
| FSSAI Central License | Annual turnover of the business is above 20 crores | 1 To 5 Years | Rs. 7500 |
You can find all the amounts payable here.
FAQs
Yes, you do require an FSSAI registration if you have a business on a small scale and the turnover is between 0-12 lakhs.
Some of the complaints related infringement of the provisions of Act and Regulation are as following:
1. Adulteration of food
2. Food poisoning
3. Misleading labeling or packaging
4. Misleading advertisements
5. Registration and licensing related complaints
6. Artificial products
7. Substandard quality of food products
Yes, you need to obtain a separate license for each product you are selling.
Yes, whether it is import or export of food items, the license is necessary.
Trade License is a license or permission issued by a municipal corporation granting permission to carry on a particular business at a particular address. It ensures that the citizens are not adversely affected by health hazard and nuisance by the improper carrying of trade.