The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has developed the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. The regulations were notified in the Official Gazette on March 24, 2011.
The Department of Food Safety and Research (DFSR) has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing these regulations. The DFSR issues licenses to manufacturers for processing foods under FSSAI guidelines.
A license is required for manufacturing, processing, packaging or storing food products in India under FSSAI guidelines.
Difference between FSSAI Registration and License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Which was established on 18 June 2011. The main objective is to regulate food safety and hygiene standards in the country.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 laid down that all food business operators must register themselves with the respective state/UT governments. By obtaining a license from FSSAI in order to operate their businesses.
However, there are differences between the two:
License – It is a document issued by the state/UT government which gives permission to an individual. A company to do business within a particular area or territory.
Registration – Registration is done at national level and it includes information about the person who has been granted registration.
Benefits of FSSAI Registration/License
There are a lot of benefits to registering or licensing your business under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- You will be able to get a license if you have not yet obtained it. This is also beneficial for those who want to start their own business but do not have any experience in this field
- The FSSAI license will give you access to food processing establishments, restaurants, bakeries and other places that deal with food products
- It will ensure that your product is safe and healthy for consumers
- The FSSAI license gives you an opportunity to sell your products through the government’s retail outlets and sell them at a lower price than what you would pay if you were not registered/licensed
- It increases your credibility in the market as well as credibility with investors
Steps to get FSSAI Certification,
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the national regulatory body for the food sector. The FSSAI is responsible for ensuring food safety and standards, including the establishment of a National Food Testing Laboratory. To become certified by the FSSAI, you need to pass all 4 phases of the certification exam:
1 — The written test consists of 100 questions that are divided into four sections. General knowledge, science, norms and procedures and laws/regulations.
2 — The practical examination is conducted in two parts. A theoretical test that tests your knowledge about food safety and a practical test that tests your ability to perform certain tasks such as inspecting raw materials or finished products.
3— You must submit results from Phase 1, 2 and 3 along with additional documents like certificates from colleges or universities you attended. Or other professional certifications such as those related to engineering or medicine.
4 — After passing all phases of testing with flying colors. You’ll receive your FSSAI certification card which validates your expertise in food safety.
What are the documents required for FSSAI License?
The following are the documents required for FSSAI Registration:
- Medical Certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
- Registration of Address with Registrar of Companies and/or Joint Stock Companies (ROC).
- Certificate of Completion of Education or Training from an Institution Recognised by the Central Government/State Government, which has been approved by the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India or the Commissioner for Higher Education.
- The name and address of the Registered Person and his/her authorised signatory must be mentioned in each document submitted along with the application form.”
