To run any food related business in India legally, it is mandatory to obtain Food License registration certified by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of government of India, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. FSSAI certification is issued to food manufacturers, processors, distributers, transporters, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, canteens and other such businesses to ascertain the safety and quality of the food consumed by public.

FSSAI has recently updated their licensing system as Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) which came in effect from 1st June 2020. There are different types of food business licenses based on the scale of the business. The basic license can be availed by businesses with annual turnover less than 12 lacs, the state license can be availed by business with annual turnover between 12 lacs and 20 crores and finally there’s central license that can be availed by businesses of more than 20 crores of annual turnover. All of these licenses have a validity period of 1 to 5 years.

The FSSAI license is issued to businesses if they comply with the regulations and guidelines mandated following the particulars of the business such as the nature of business, capacity of production, area of operation, scale of operations etc. Upon meeting all the requirements, a 14 digits license number is issued that has to be printed on all the packages produced by the business. Restaurants and other eating houses are also required to obtain license and permit from FSSAI to be operational. Apart from being a legal necessity without which businesses are not allowed to function and operating in the absence of which will lead to legal penalty, the FSSAI license can be of much advantage to the businesses.

For starters, they get to stay open! Additionally, it builds trust and goodwill among consumers as safety is ensured and he stamp of government approval builds brand value. This can help business with providing greater scope for growth and expansion. Furthermore, it can be helpful while seeking government funding or bank loans. It also ensures government help in case the business is faced with non-compliance issues in the future. The process of obtaining license can be done online and it takes roughly about 1-3 months. The documents that are needed would include identity proof, registration documents of company, proof or ownership etc. Once the license is granted, you are at liberty to run your business knowing it is safe you and the ones you serve.