What is FSSAI registration?
FSSAI registration is compulsory for anyone engaged in the food industry in India. It is authorised by FSSAI, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A compliance authority under the control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This registration confirms that a food business meets the guidelines and norms, ensuring the safety and quality of food items.
Types of FSSAI registration:
FSSAI Basic Registration (FSSAI Licence Type A): Applicable for small-scale food businesses, including petty retailers, small-scale manufacturers, and food processors whose annual turnover does not exceed ₹12 lakhs. Basic registration is suitable for businesses with limited operations and low turnover.
FSSAI State License (FSSAI License Type B): Applicable for medium-sized food businesses, including manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors. Required for businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
FSSAI Central License (FSSAI License Type C): Applicable for large-scale food businesses with operations across multiple states or with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores.
Key Responsibilities of FSSAI
• Setting Food Standards:
Develops science-based standards for food products and components, ensuring they are safe and fit for human consumption.
• Regulation and Licensing:
Regulates the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food, and grants licenses and registrations to food businesses.
Regulates the manufacture processing, storage, distribution, sale and import of food, and grants licenses to food related business.
• Compliance and Enforcement:
Conducts inspections of food businesses and enforces food safety standards to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.
• Food Testing:
Organizes for food samples to be tested for standards and quality, ensuring food products meet the required safety and quality benchmarks.
Organizes food sample to be tested by expert to check quality of food, ensuring food products meet the required safety and quality benchmarks.
• Training and Capacity Building:
Provides training programs and builds capacity for regulatory staff, food handlers, and other stakeholders those are involved in the food business.
• Citizen Outreach and Awareness:
Promotes general public awareness about food safety through by various outreach programs.
• Data Collection and Risk Analysis:
Collects and collates data on food consumption, biological risks, and contaminants in food, helping to identify emerging risks.
• Policy Advice and Information:
Advises the government on matters of food safety and nutrition, and maintains an information network to provide reliable information to the public.
• International Cooperation:
Contributes to the development of international technical standards for food and promotes cooperation with international organizations on food safety matters