FSSAI is an acronym for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an organization that oversees and manages the food business in India. It is an independent institution founded under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India.
The FSSAI was developed in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) which would be consolidated legislation on food safety and regulation in India. It assures that food item are subject to quality controls, while also reducing food adulteration as well as the sale of non-standard products. FSSAI is accountable for the registration and licensing of food business operators (FBOs) in India and formulates rules and regulations for the management of the food business in India.
Why is the FSSAI Registration Required?
Any food business operator engaged in the production, processing, storage and selling of food items should compulsively acquire the FSSAI Registration or License.
FSSAI Registration is distinct from the FSSAI License to the extent that, given the scale and characteristics of the organisation, FBO must acquire the requisite registration or license.
It is a 14-digit identification code or a license number displayed on all product packets. The 14-digit identification number provides specifics of the state of assembly, the certificate of the manufacturer. The purpose of this registration process is to establish more transparency for the FBO to ensure the quality of food items. Licensing & registration procedures and specifications are controlled by the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011.
FSSAI Registration/License Procedure
The registration or licensing of the FSSAI shall be dependent on the amount and grounds of the company. Based on the installed capacity or turnover or venue, the applicant’s facilities are qualified for a license such as with a basic permit, a central license and a state license.
FSSAI Registration Requirements
FSSAI Registration is a simple license but is needed for all FBOs participating in the small-scale food sector. This category refers to the following companies:
- Any FBO with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 12 lakh.
- Small retailer dealing in food goods
- Any individual who produces or sells any food item on his own
- Food purchases are made by a temporary stallholder.
- Any person who allocates food at any religious or social meeting except a caterer
- Small-scale or cottage businesses involved in the food industry and the following:
| Sl.no | Business | Capacity |
| 1 | Food production capacity, excluding milk and meat. | Up to 100 kg/ltr per day |
| 2 | Food production capacity, excluding milk and meat. | Up to 500 ltr per day |
| 3 | Slaughtering capacity | 2 large animals or 10 small animals or 50 poultry birds per day or less |
