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FSSAI Certification: Ensuring Food Safety and Quality in India
Introduction
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing food safety and standards in India. FSSAI Certification is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India to ensure that food products meet strict safety and quality standards, protecting consumer health and fostering trust in the food industry.
What is FSSAI Certification?
FSSAI Certification is an official authorization provided to food businesses, confirming that their operations comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This certification is vital for manufacturing, processing, packaging, distributing, and selling food products in India.
Applicability
FSSAI Certification is mandatory for businesses involved in:
- Food manufacturing, processing, and packaging.
- Import and export of food products.
- Distribution and wholesale operations.
- Storage and transport of food items.
- Retail businesses, including e-commerce platforms and cloud kitchens.
Types of FSSAI Licenses
FSSAI offers three types of licenses depending on the nature and size of the business:
1. Basic FSSAI Registration
- For small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
- Suitable for petty manufacturers, hawkers, and small retailers.
2. State FSSAI License
- For medium-sized food businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
- Includes restaurants, transporters, storage units, and medium-scale manufacturers.
3. Central FSSAI License
- For large food businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crores or involved in exports and imports.
- Includes large manufacturers, importers, and chains operating across multiple states.
Why is FSSAI Certification Important?
For Businesses
- Legal Compliance: Avoid penalties and operational disruptions.
- Market Access: Mandatory for selling food products in India.
- Reputation: Builds trust and credibility among consumers.
- Expansion Opportunities: Facilitates exports to countries requiring similar certifications.
For Consumers
- Safety Assurance: Guarantees that food products are safe for consumption.
- Transparency: Provides details about the food source and standards.
FSSAI Certification Process
The certification process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Identify the appropriate FSSAI license type based on business size and operations.
Step 2:Document Preparation
Prepare and submit the following documents:
- Business registration proof.
- Address proof of the business premises.
- List of food products to be manufactured, processed, or sold.
- Layout of the manufacturing unit.
- Identity proof of the business owner.
- Water testing report.
- Import/export code.
Step 3: Application Submission
Submit the application online through the FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System (FoSCoS) or at the respective state/central FSSAI office.
Step 4: Inspection
An FSSAI official may inspect the premises to verify compliance with food safety regulations.
Step 5: License Issuance
Upon successful verification, the FSSAI certificate is issued, typically valid for 1 to 5 years, based on the chosen duration during application.
Validity and Renewal
- FSSAI certification is valid for 1 to 5 years, as selected during application.
- Renewal is mandatory before expiry to avoid penalties.
Required Documents for FSSAI Certification
Basic FSSAI Registration
- Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID).
- Proof of business address.
State and Central Licenses
- Proof of business incorporation (e.g., partnership deed, certificate of incorporation).
- List of directors/partners/proprietors with ID and address proofs.
- Food category list.
- Blueprint or layout plan of the manufacturing facility.
- Authority letter from the company.
- NOC from the municipality or local authority (if required).
How We Can Help You
Navigating the FSSAI certification process can be complex, but we’re here to assist you at every step:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine the right license type for your business.
- Documentation: Prepare and verify all required documents.
- Application Submission: Seamlessly file your application and manage follow-ups.
- Compliance Support: Ensure adherence to regulations post-certification.
- Renewals: Handle license renewals to avoid disruptions.
Why Choose ERA Global
Standards Certification?
At ERA, we simplify the FSSAI certification process by offering:
Ready to start your certification journey?
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