All about FSSAI Rules & Regulations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an agency of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.

FSSAI regulates all food business operators in the country & has entrusted the powers at various levels to other designated authorities like the FDA to speed the process of granting registration or licenses.

Who is required to obtain license under FSSAI regulation?

FSSAI license or registration is mandatory for all the entities which are running food business. Anyone who handles, processes, manufactures, sells, serves, stores, distributes transports or imports food, commonly known as Food Business Operators (FBO). It is even applicable to street food vendor.

What is need of FSSAI rules and Regulation?

1. This is like one stop shop to all laws and departmental control.
2. Connecting point for all matters related to Food safety, standard, Regulation etc
3. Single licensing authority for one or more articles of food.

Common documents for FSSAI License :

1. ID proof of promoters of business.
2. Address proof of business premises.
3. Constitutional documents of the company like LLP agreement in case of LLP or MOA and AOA in case of companies.
4. List of food products.
5. Food safety management plan
6. Complete Form-B

Salient features of FSSAI regulation:

1. Validity of License
2. Multiple License: A separate license or registration is required if the food articles are processed or handled from different location.
3. Import of Foods: Food articles shall not be allowed to enter into India if article remaining shelf life is not upto 60%.
4. In case FBO is operating in two states, then person has to obtain 2 license: one license for each separate location and one additional central license for Head Office/registered office.

Is FSSAI registration mandatory for E-tailers?

Yes, all the e-tailers like Zomato, Foodpanda, Grofer or online vendor dealing in foods has to obtain food license. Without registration, it would be illegal to deal in food for such companies.

Penalty & Offences under FSSAI regulation:

• Not having FSSAI license: If any person who is required to obtain FSSAI license, runs his Food business without such license shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 6 months and also with fine which may extend to Rs. 5 Lakh.

• Food Quality issues: Penalty shall be levied upto Rs. 5 Lakh if foods sold are not match required quality standard.

• Sub standard food: Selling sub standard food may attract penalty upto Rs. 5 Lkah.

• Injury or death of consumer:
  • In case of death- penalty of not less than Rs. 5 Lakh.
  • In case of serious injuries- penalty upto Rs. 3 Lakh.
  • In case of other injuries- penalty upto Rs. 3 Lakh.