INTRODUCTION

FSSAI: Despite becoming one of the most in-demand sectors, the food industry is still unreliable for everyday customers. Adulteration, the addition of additives, or contamination of natural food products is one of today's largest challenges. Poor-quality adulterants are frequently added to food for practical and financial reasons. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which oversees, regulates, and inspects food company operators' manufacturing, storage, packaging, and handling practises, was established by the Indian government to address this issue. To protect and advance public health, this ultimate authority's main objective is to oversee and regulate food safety.

This government organisation is in charge of monitoring India's food businesses and making sure they abide by laws. Their responsibility is to ensure that the food is pure and complies with the regulations. They are tasked with getting rid of subpar meals.

WHAT IS FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an independent organisation acknowledged by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Indian government. According to the law that was introduced in 2006, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, a former union minister, established the Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI) on August 5, 2011.

In order to enhance food cleanliness and quality, the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 was passed. This act has had a tremendous impact on the food industry. The authority has six regional offices, including ones in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai. The Act states that a licence or registration with the FSSAI is required in order to start or run a food business. As a result, any business that creates, processes, distributes, or packs food must now acquire an FSSAI License or Registration

TYPES OF FSSAI REGISTRATION/LICENSE :

FSSAI in India issues the following three types of license

1. FSSAI Basic Registration License - Operators in the food business, such as petty food producers and small-scale manufacturers, storage facilities, transporters, merchants, marketers, and distributors with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 12 lakh, are granted a basic Registration licence by the State Government. This licence has a duration of at least one year and a maximum of five years. This registration can be completed in in 7 days.
2. FSSAI State License - This licence is given out by the State Government to SMEs such those involved in transportation, storage, transport, distribution, marketing, and so forth. The business must only be active in one state and make a minimum of Rs. 12 lakh in sales per year. The licence is good for at least one year and up to five years. The FSSAI's state licence application process takes 15 days to complete.
3. FSSAI Central License -The licence is issued by the central government. Food business owners must obtain a Central License for their main office if the food producer or importer has operations in more than one state. Only FBOs with a yearly revenue of Rs. 20 crore are eligible for this licence. It has a minimum one-year validity period and a five-year maximum. Processing only takes 25 days.

FUNCTIONS OF FSSAI

Following functions are performed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India:

1. Setting Rules and Guidelines - All food manufacturing businesses are required to abide by the norms and regulations established by the FSSAI with regard to sanitation and food safety.
2. Granting License - The proprietor needs to obtain a certificate and licence with the approval of FSSAI in order to pursue any food-related business.
3. Test the Standard of Food - Food manufactured by all businesses registered with the FSSAI must meet certain standards and be of a certain calibre.
4. Regular Audits - Proper inspection is conducted for food-producing and manufacturing companies to make sure the standards comply with the guidelines.
5. Spreading Food Safety Awareness - The FSSAI educates and raises awareness among the public about the value of consuming healthy food..
6. Maintain Records and Data - Additionally, all registered organisations must have accurate records and data kept up to date by FSSAI. The licence may be terminated for any infraction of FSSAI guidelines.
7. Keeping the Government Updated - Any hazard to food safety must be reported to the appropriate government authorities for follow-up action. Help them develop food standard policies as well.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION?

The requirement of documents varies according to the type of FSSAI License. However, some major documents required are as follows

1. Copy of address proof (GST certificate /Electricity Bill)
2. Manufacturing process with flow chart
3. Manufacturing layout
4. Brand certification
5. Testing facility
6. Equipment list
7. Proof of possession of premises
8. NOC from the municipality and local body
9. NOC/PA issued by FSSAI
10. Contact Details of Directors
11. FSSAI Declaration form
12. Source of Milk, if applicable
13. Proof of possession of premises

PROCEDURE FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION

Documentation FSSAI Registration starts with the collection of required documents that are necessary for the registration.

1. Online submission of application - Once required documents are collected, the next step is to generate the online portal on the FSSAI website and submit the application for registration to the food and safety department online.
2. Submission of (hardcopy) application - Additionally, send a paper copy of the application and supporting materials to the department of food and safety.
3. Scrutiny - FSSAI officials will verify the application, and within 7 days of the application date, the department may accept or reject the application.
4. Inspection from FSSAI - After evaluating the papers, FSSAI officers will conduct the audit on the applicant's property. (Optional)
5. Grant of FSSAI Certificate -The department will deliver a registration certificate with the applicant's registration number and photo if the application is accepted.

FOR WHOM FSSAI LICENSE IS MANDATORY IN INDIA

An FSSAI licence is required if you want to start a food processing, trading, repackaging, wholesaling, marketing, canteen, or restaurant. The following must obtain an FSSAI Registration or License in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 :

1. All types of food manufacturer
2. Raw food supplier
3. Exporter and importer of food products
4. Food storage and packaging unit
5. Food traders
6. Food product retailers
7. Online Food business operators
8. Caters or Hotels
9. Food Products Transporter and Distributors
10. Wholesale food business operators

LEAD TIME FOR FSSAI LICENSE :

Timeline depends upon the type of license, which is as follows

• Basic license – 7 days
• State License – 15 - 30 days
• Central license – 30-60 days

RENEWAL OF FSSAI LICENSE :

Depending on the application fee, the license's validity might range from one to five years. A licence must be renewed no later than 30 days before it expires.