Food License: Mandatory for Food Businesses

Food license or FSSAI license is granted to all manufacturers, traders, restaurants carrying out any food business which may involve manufacturing or processing or Trading. Food License or FSSAI Registration is mandatory for all Food Businesses. Not Having food license may cause heavy Penalty on Food business Operator. Contact Us to check which food license apply on your businesses .

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Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a self-governing body under the Foods Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI Registration is a 14-digit registration number that is used by food-related businesses. The number is printed on the food products along with the license number. FSSAI registration is mandatory for a food business as it deals with food processing, food manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. This article looks at the procedure to obtain an Uttar Pradesh FSSAI registration.

What is a Food License?

A food license is a legal document issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food businesses that operate in India. It is necessary for all food businesses, regardless of their size or type, to obtain a food license.

The objective of Food License

The objective of the FSSAI Registration is to facilitate food safety and regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of foods.

Type of Food License

Depending on level of manufacturing, production capacity and business activity there is 3 different type of Food license or FSSAI License. Click here to check Which Food License is applicable for you >>

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

FSSAI Basic Registration is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to small food and beverage businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. It is the most basic type of FSSAI license and is relatively easy to obtain. Food Business Operators who do not have a valid FSSAI Basic Registration certificate can be fined up to ₹5 lakhs or imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

2. FSSAI State License

FSSAI State License is a type of food license issued by the State Food Safety Authorities (SFAs) in India to food businesses with an annual turnover of more than ₹12 lakhs but less than ₹20 crores. It is the second tier of FSSAI licenses, after FSSAI Basic Registration. Food Business operators who do not have a valid FSSAI State License certificate can be fined up to ₹10 lakhs or imprisoned for up to one year, or both.

3. FSSAI Central License

FSSAI Central License is a type of food license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food businesses with an annual turnover of ₹20 crores or more, or to businesses that manufacture or export food products. It is the highest tier of FSSAI licenses and is required for businesses that operate across multiple states or that export food products.

Benefits of Food License

There are many benefits to having a food license, including:

Legal compliance: A food license is a legal requirement for all food businesses in India. Having a license shows that your business is operating legally and in compliance with all applicable food safety regulations.
Consumer confidence: Consumers are more likely to trust food businesses that have a valid food license. This is because a license indicates that the business has been inspected and approved by the government and that it is committed to food safety.
Brand reputation: A food license can help to build and protect your brand reputation. It shows that your business is serious about food safety and that it is committed to providing high-quality products to its customers.
Access to new markets: Having a food license can open up new markets for your business. For example, many retailers and food service establishments will only do business with suppliers that have a valid license.
Better supply chain management: A food license can help you to better manage your supply chain. For example, you can use your license to track the movement of food products from your suppliers to your customers. This can help you to identify and address any potential food safety risks.
Increased competitiveness: A food license can help you to be more competitive in the marketplace. Many customers are willing to pay a premium for food products that they know are safe and high-quality. Having a food license can help you to demonstrate to your customers that your products meet these standards.

In addition to these general benefits, a food license can also provide specific benefits to different types of food businesses. For example, food businesses that export their products may need to have a food license in order to comply with the requirements of the importing country.

Overall, having a food license is essential for any food business that wants to operate legally, ethically, and successfully.

Renewal of food license

Food licenses are valid for a period of one year or five years, depending on the type of license. Food businesses must renew their food license before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the application process.

Penalties for not having a food license

The penalties for not having a food license in India vary depending on the type of license required and the severity of the offense.

For FSSAI Basic Registration, the penalty for operating without a license is up to ₹5 lakhs or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
For FSSAI State License, the penalty for operating without a license is up to ₹10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
For FSSAI Central License, the penalty for operating without a license is up to ₹25 lakhs or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

In addition to these penalties, food businesses that do not have a valid license may also be subject to the following:

Confiscation of food products
Closure of business premises
Cancellation of food safety certification (if applicable)
Damage to brand reputation
Loss of business opportunities

It is important to note that these are just the maximum penalties. In practice, the severity of the penalty imposed will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of food business, the size of the business, and the nature of the offense.