An FSSAI license or food license is compulsory to run any food business in India. Food service license is valid for 1-5 years, at the end of which the license must be renewed and if it is not renewed, there is a penalty. The FSSAI renewal process can be completed 120 days before the expiry date of FSSAI registration or license.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent organization established under the auspices of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Government of India. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidation principle related to food safety and law in India. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and monitoring food safety.
The FSSAI is headed by a Non-Executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, or holding or holding a non-Secretariat post in the Government of India. Rita Teaotia is the current chairperson of FSSAI and Shri Arun Singhal is the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI.
FSSAI has its headquarters in New Delhi. The Authority also has six regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin and Chennai. 14 referral laboratories were introduced by FSSAI, 72 Government / UT laboratories located throughout India and 112 NABL accredited independent laboratories delivered by FSSAI.
FSSAI was established by the former Minister of Trade Unions Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Government of India on 5 August 2011 under the Food Security and Standards Act, 2006 which came into effect in 2006. FSSAI has a chairperson and 22 members. FSSAI is responsible for setting food standards so that there is one body to deal with and no confusion in the minds of consumers, traders, producers and investors.
The following are the statutory powers granted by the FSS Act, 2006 to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
- Fencing of food safety standards
- Establish guidelines for accreditation of food testing labs.
- Provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government.
- Contributing to the development of overseas food technology standards.
- Collecting and collecting data regarding food consumption, pollution, emerging hazards etc.
- Disseminating information and promoting awareness of food safety and nutrition in India.
Standards designed by FSSAI are determined under Food Safety and Standards (Food and Supplementary Food Supplement) Regulation, 2011, Food Safety and Standards (Packing and Labeling) Regulation, 2011 and Food Safety and Standards (Pollution, Toxicity, and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
The FSSAI has determined the following standards:
- Dairy products and analogues
- Oil and oil emulsions
- Fruits and vegetable products
- Grain and grain products
- Meat and meat products
- Fish and fish products
- Sweets and liquids
- Sweetener agents include honey
- Salt, spices, condiments and related products
- Beverages, (excluding milk and fruit and vegetable based)
- Other food product and ingredients
- Food rays
- Consolidation of basic foods such as vegetable oil, milk, salt, rice, and wheat/Maida flour
- Food consumption pattern
- New food products and additives
- Changes in processing technologies leading to altered specifications
- Advances in food analysis methods
- The identification of new risks or other control options.
The development of standards for any food article under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 includes several stages. After consideration by the Food Authority, draft standards are published (Draft notified), inviting participants' views. As India has signed the WTO-SPS Committee, the Draft Standard is also introduced to the WTO. Thereafter, taking into account the comments received from the participants, the Standard is finalized and published in the Indian Gazette, and applied.
The registration or license granted is valid unless otherwise stated, for a period of 1 to 5 years as determined by the Food Business Operator, from the date of issue of registration or license subject to the payment of the fee payable thereto.
Types of Renewal of Licenses (FSSAI):
Renewal of FSSAI consists of three types of FSSAI License - Basic FSSAI License, State FSSAI License, and Central FSSAI License. Any application for renewal should be submitted before the expiry date. The login ID and password are valid during the renewal of the FSSAI license.
Renewal of a basic FSSAI license:
A “FSSAI License Renewal Form A” applies to all food processors under the basic registration conditions. Renewal fee varies between Rs. 100/- to Rs. 500/- depending on the number of years you choose.
Renewal of State License:
Renewal of State License FSSAI or more commonly referred to as “FSSAI License Renewal Form B” applies to all food processors under the conditions of a State license. The cost of renewing a food license depends entirely on the following two approaches:
- Type of food business
- Application for renewal of license (between 1 year and 5 years)
Government food license renewal fees can be Rs. 2000/- or Rs. 3000/- or Rs. 5000/- per year depending on the type of food business.
Central FSSAI License Renewal:
The renewal of the Central FSSAI license or more commonly referred to as the “FSSAI License Renewal Form C” applies to all food processors who fall under the Central licensing process (above 20 crore turnover / importer-exporter / Operating in multiple areas / e-commerce). The government's average license renewal fee for FSSAI is Rs. 7500 per year.
FSSAI Food License Renewal Fees:
FSSAI reimbursement consists of two parts:
- If the license is less than expired while renewing the FSSAI license you only need to pay.
- In the event that your license expires you will have to pay late fees at the time of application for renewal of the FSSAI license.