FSSAI Full Form and Everything You Need to Know About It

The FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and was established under the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006. It was introduced by a former union minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, on August 5, 2008. It ensures that people are provided with healthy, nutritious meals and plays a crucial role in establishing standards, issuing food licenses for businesses, and regulating food products.

FSSAI assures safety and maintains quality norms for the customers. It handles the practice of Food Business Operators (FBOs) and checks for manufacturing and safe food storage. This detailed guide will provide insight into the FSSAI full form, and its role in food safety standards.

Consolidation of previous laws

The following details provide the previous laws, and have been replaced by the FSSAI:

• Vegetable Oil Products Control Order of 1947
• Prevention of Food Adulteration Act of 1954
• Fruit products order of 1955
• Solvent Extracted Oil, De-Oiled Meal and Edible Flour (Control) Order of 1967
• Meat Food Products Order of 1973
• Edible Oils Packaging Regulation Order of 1988
• Milk and milk products order of 1992

The FSSAI Act was created to, promote fair practices in the industry, increase the safety of consumers, and facilitate trade by maintaining the national and international food safety standards.

Role of FSSAI in India

FSSAI is responsible for the manufacturing, processing, distributing, and importing of food in India. It oversees the safety and quality of the food products distributed in India. Let us go through the key aspects of FSSAI:

Importance of FSSAI Registration in India

The following details explain the importance of an FSSAI license in India:

• Building Consumer Trust

When you are opening a food business, registering for FSSAI is necessary. Consumers are more likely to choose a food restaurant or stall if it has a valid license. They know the importance of it and ensure that their safety and health come first. It helps the businesses gain trust and build loyalty from the customers.

• Legal Compliance

The FSSAI states that food businesses such as traders, manufacturers, or restaurants must get FSSAI registration. By getting it, they can avoid legal action and penalties for non-compliance. This is one of the most obvious benefits of acquiring an FSSAI license.

• Expansion Opportunities

It helps food businesses expand their operations and open branches all over the country. A business having a license can supply products to government hospitals, institutions, and schools. This can open new doors and opportunities for food businesses.

• Brand Reputation

Increasing brand reputation has become easier for food businesses by acquiring a license. It is proof that the business maintains safety and quality for the consumers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. A good brand reputation will lead to more sales and customer loyalty.

• Reduces Risk

Acquiring an FSSAI license minimizes the risk of illness from food and other safety issues related to food. This is due to the strict standards set by FSSAI for food quality and safety which ensure food businesses meet the standards and have daily inspections. If they can comply with these standards, it will reduce the risk of food safety concerns and protect the customers.

• Access to Information

You can gain access to resources and information on food quality and safety by registering for FSSAI. It can help your business by providing daily guidance and updates on the best practices to improve operations and stay updated with the recent developments in the industry.

Some Changes Made by the FSSAI to Enhance Food Safety Standards

FSSAI has regulated several changes in ensuring the safety and quality of food, and public health. Let us discuss the changes in detail:

5. New labeling and display regulation:

The compulsory date for modifications of display and labeling has been set to be July 1^st. There is enough time to meet the new requirements without any emergency compliance problems and businesses can benefit from this step. The changes in the labeling norms include the following:

• Display information is mandatory and implies the High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) food classification for consumer education.
• Declaring the common allergens such as dairy, soy, gluten, and nuts.
• Readability of nutrition data and food expiration labels are ensured by the labeling regulations for educated consumer decisions.

5. Revised standards for packages and processed foods:

The focus on allergen and trans fat reduction labeling by the FSSAI is to refine the standards for processes and packaged foods. Some changes for this include:

• The label needs to clearly mention the common allergens such as wheat, soy, nuts, shellfish, dairy, and peanuts.
• There needs to be strict limits on promoting healthier dietary choices and fat content, and processed foods must adhere to these limits.
• Better tracking and recall mechanisms must be implemented by businesses to improve their food safety management.

5. Increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging:

Adopting environmentally sustainable packaging ways to meet current sustainability goals should be done by food businesses. A few more guidelines by FSSAI include the following:

• Eliminating single-use plastics from the packaging should be done by the food businesses to promote biodegradable packaging options.
• The government provides financial incentives to businesses that implement sustainable packaging solutions and encourages their adoption.
• Incorporating recyclable and compostable materials for supplying utensils and serving food.

Functions of FSSAI

The followings are the functions of FSSAI:

• Testing the Food Standard

The FSSAI conducts the food quality and standard check for the food manufactured by businesses, registered under the FSSAI. This is done to ensure the safety and health of the public.

• Setting Rules and Regulations

The rules, regulations, and guidelines for food safety and protecting public health are done by the FSSAI department. All food manufacturing companies must follow these rules and guidelines.

• Conducting Regular Audits

The FSSAI conducts several audits for the food manufacturing companies, to ensure the food produced by the companies is meeting the FSSAI guidelines.

• Keeping the Government Updated

 It is responsible for helping the government to frame food safety policies. The FSSAI department needs to report any threat or issues regarding the safety and hygiene of the food to the government.

Types of FSSAI Registration

There are three types of FSSAI registration and they are as follows:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration: A yearly turnover below Rs 12 lakhs needs to apply for an FSSAI basic registration. For example, small and petty food businesses are eligible to apply for basic registration.
2. FSSAI State License: An annual turnover above Rs 12 lakh and below Rs 20 crore should apply for FSSAI state license. It mostly includes medium-sized food businesses.
3. FSSAI Central License: A yearly turnover above Rs 20 crore must apply for FSSAI central license. For example, large businesses, importers, and exporters are eligible to apply for a central license.

FSSAI Registration Process

Let us go through the FSSAI registration process:

1. Go to the FoSCoS Website:

Visit the official website of FoSCoS, and you will find four options from the homepage; Tatkal License/Registration, General, Railway, and Airport/Seaport.

2. Choosing the Premise:

Choose the desired premise of your operation. For example, after choosing the premise from the ‘General’ option, go to the “select state” and choose the state where you want to open your food business.

3. Choose the Type of Business:

Select your business type from the category, such as food services, manufacturer, or trade and retail. If you have selected the “Food Services” option, choose the type of service you want to provide. Select the suitable FSSAI license determining the turnover. To simplify this step, go for basic registration as you can update your license when your annual turnover is above 12 lakhs.

4. Determine the Eligibility:

After the previous step, a new page will open determining your eligibility for the business. If your business is eligible for registration, click on the option below to proceed.

5. Fill in the Application Form:

A new page will open where the applicant needs to provide all the details, upload the required documents, and pay the fee.

6. Submit the Form:

After you are done with the application, submit the form. All the details will be reviewed by the authorities, if the food business premise needs an inspection then the FSSAI will send someone.

7. Issuance of License:

When the inspection is done and verified by the FSSAI department, your license will be issued. You can download the FSSAI certificate by logging into your details in the FoSCoS portal. It is necessary to display the certificate at your business place during working hours.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The following documents are required to obtain an FSSAI registration:

• Form-A for FSSAI Basic Registration and Form-B for FSSAI State and Central License to be completed and signed
• Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
• Copy of ID proof of the FBOs
• Address proof of food business premises
• Proof of business premises possession such as rental agreement, sale deed, utility bills, and NOC from the owner of the rented premises
• List of the food products that have been manufactured or processed
• Other applicable documents such as a copy of the License from the manufacturer, Health NOC, and NOC by Municipality or Panchayat

The following documents are required for the FSSAI State License:

• Processing unit plan
• List of the partners, proprietors, or directors with a copy of their photo ID, address, and contact details
• List of the types of equipment used with its number and installed capacity
• An authority letter from the manufacturer, nominating a responsible person
• Analysis report of water used in the food laboratory
• Certificate obtained under the Coop Act of 1861, or Multi-State Coop Act of 2002

Here are the required documents for the FSSAI Central License:

• Processing unit plan
• List of the partners, proprietors, or directors with a copy of their photo ID, address, and contact details
• Name of the equipment used with its number and installed capacity
• An authority letter from the manufacturer nominating a responsible person
• Analysis report of water used in the food laboratory
• Source of raw material for meat and milk
• Recall the plan, if it is applicable
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU, if only it is applicable
• NOC document issued by the FSSAI
• The Import Export Code which is issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
• Form IX
• Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism
• Supporting document to prove transportation and turnover
• Declaration form

Validity of an FSSAI license

The FSSAI license validity is for 1 to 5 years and depends on the Food Business Operator. The FBO needs to apply 30 days before the expiration of the license to renew it. After 30 days of not filling out the application, a late fee of Rs 100 will be charged per day. The license needs to be renewed within a specific period or it will expire and stop the FBO from doing any business activities.

Who Needs to Register for FSSAI?

The FSSAI states that every food business and every individual or a body related to food business must obtain the FSSAI registration/license. Here are the details of the entities that need to acquire the license:

• Petty retailers such as snack shops and bakery confectionery
• Temporary or Fixed stalls involved in the preparation, storage, and distribution of the food products such as fruit or vegetable vendors, chat stalls, sweet stalls, and juice shops
• Hawkers selling packaged or prepared food by traveling, mostly on foot or carts from one place to another
• Dairy units such as including milk vendors, milk chilling units, and petty milkmen
• Slaughtering houses, meat and fish processing units
• Every food manufacturing and processing unit
• Vegetable oil processing units
• Proprietary and novel food
• Cold and refrigerated storage facility
• Wholesaler, supplier, retailer, and marketer of food products
• Hotels, restaurants, and bars
• Canteens and cafeteria and also mid-day meal canteens
• Food vending agencies
• Banquet halls with food catering business and arrangements, paying guests (PG) providing food, Dhaba, home-based canteens, and food stalls are some of the examples that need to acquire a license
• Importers and exporters of food articles such as food ingredients
• E-commerce food suppliers like cloud kitchens

Penalties for Not Complying with FSSAI Guidelines

The following information includes the penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI: