The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food in India. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and aims to standardize food products, prevent contamination, and ensure that food manufacturers adhere to specific hygiene and safety standards.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex regulatory body responsible for overseeing food safety and regulation in India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI was created to unify and streamline various food-related laws, ensuring a single point of reference for food safety standards across the country. It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and plays a critical role in protecting public health by setting science-based food safety standards, regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products, and ensuring that food businesses comply with hygiene and quality norms. FSSAI also mandates food labeling, conducts regular inspections, and monitors food quality through a nationwide network of laboratories. Every food business operator in India, from small vendors to large corporations, is required to obtain an FSSAI license, which assures consumers that the food they consume is safe and meets government-mandated standards. Through awareness programs, regulations, and enforcement, FSSAI ensures that the food ecosystem in India remains safe, reliable, and consumer-friendly
1. FSSAI Basic Registration License
• Issued by: State Government
• Applicable for: Petty food businesses, small-scale manufacturers, storage units, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors
• Annual Turnover: Less than ₹12 lakh
• Validity: 1 to 5 years
• Processing Time: Approximately 7 days
2. FSSAI State License
• Issued by: State Government
• Applicable for: SMEs such as transportation services, storage houses, distributors, marketers, etc.
• Annual Turnover: ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore
• Operational Area: Only within one state
• Validity: 1 to 5 years
• Processing Time: Approximately 15 days
3. FSSAI Central License
• Issued by: Central Government
• Applicable for: Large food businesses with operations in more than one state, importers/exporters
• Annual Turnover: Above ₹20 crore
• Requirement: Must obtain Central License for the head office
• Validity: 1 to 5 years
• Processing Time: Approximately 25 days
1. Setting Rules and Guidelines
FSSAI formulates regulations and hygiene guidelines that all food manufacturing companies must follow to ensure food safety and quality.
2. Granting Licenses
Any individual or organization planning to start a food-related business must obtain a proper FSSAI license or registration before commencing operations.
3. Testing the Standard of Food
FSSAI ensures that all registered companies manufacture food that meets quality and safety standards by conducting routine inspections and testing.
4. Conducting Regular Audits
Regular inspections and audits are carried out to verify that food businesses comply with the established standards and regulations.
5. Spreading Food Safety Awareness
FSSAI educates the public on the importance of consuming safe, clean, and hygienic food through awareness campaigns and training programs.
6. Maintaining Records and Data
The organization maintains up-to-date records of all registered food businesses. Any violation of FSSAI guidelines may lead to license suspension or cancellation.
7. Keeping the Government Updated
FSSAI promptly informs government authorities about potential food safety threats and assists in developing national food safety policies.
1. Copy of Address Proof (Electricity bill, lease/rent agreement, etc.)
2. Manufacturing Process Flow Chart with detailed steps
3. Manufacturing Layout/Blueprint of the premises
4. Brand Certificate/Trademark Registration (if applicable)
5. Details of In-house Testing Facility (if any)
6. List of Equipment and Machinery used in production
7. Proof of Possession of Premises (ownership or rent agreement)
8. NOC from Municipality/Local Body
9. NOC/PA issued by FSSAI (if applicable)
10. Contact Details of Proprietor/Partners/Directors
11. Filled and signed FSSAI Declaration Form
12. Source of Milk (in case of dairy business)
13. Source of Meat/Raw Materials (if applicable)
14. Water Testing Report (if water is used in food processing)
15. List of Products to be manufactured with category
16. Photo ID Proof of applicant