Understanding the FSSAI license

INTRODUCTION

To operate a Food Business in India one must get itself registered and licensed under Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. FFSAI is a government established body that is legally authorized to issue Food License to Food business operators in India.

When a Food Business Operator registers itself under FSSAI, the FBO will get a 14 digit number that has to be printed on food packages along the FSSAI logo, that number is a proof that, that product is safe to consume, FSSAI Registration ensures the security of food products and it is primarily certificate showing food safety issued by the food authority in India to all the manufacturers, traders, restaurants, grocery shops, importers and exporters, etc those who are eligible for issuing a FSSAI License. FSSAI License is given only after specific quality checks, thereby decreasing the cases of adulteration, substandard products.

TYPES OF FSSAI LICENSE

1. FSSAI basic registration

2. FSSAI State license

3. FSSAI Central license

How to apply for license to the Licensing Authority

An application for a license is made by filling the Form B of Schedule 2 to the concerned Licensing Authority as specified in Regulation 2.1.2 (3) and 2.1.2 (4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 and it must be accompanied by a self-attested declaration by the owner of the food business in the format provided in the regulations as Annexure-1 and copies of all the documents mentioned as Annexure 2 of Schedule-2 along with the applicable fees prescribed in Schedule 3.

Validity and Renewal of Registration and License

1) A Registration or license granted under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.shall be valid and subsisting, for a period of 1 to 5 years as chosen by the Food Business Operator, from the date of issue of registration or license subject to fee applicable for the period and compliance with all conditions of license.

2) Application for the renewal of a license granted under these Regulations is done by filling Form A or B of Schedule 2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, within, 30 days prior to the expiry date indicated in the license.

3) The Registration or License shall continue to be valid till the time the orders are passed for the renewal of application and that cannot be beyond 30 days from the date of expiry of registration or license.

Suspension or cancellation of Registration Certificate or license

The Licensing Authority in accordance with the provisions of section 32 of the Food Safety and Standard Act, after giving the concerned Food Business Operator a reasonable opportunity of being heard can suspend any registration or license for all or any of the activities for which the registration/license has been granted under these Regulations after recording a brief statement of the reasons for such suspension, if there is reasonable reason to believe that the Food Business Operator has failed to comply with the conditions/regulations even after the period given for any Improvement, Notice shall be served under Section 32 of the Act. A copy of the statement regarding the suspension of the license shall be send to the concerned Food Business Operator.