What is FSSAI and Why It Matters for Your Food Business?

🥗 What is FSSAI and Why It Matters for Your Food Business?
In India, food safety is a top priority — and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body that ensures the food we eat is safe, hygienic, and of good quality.

Whether you’re starting a small food business or managing a large food manufacturing unit, FSSAI registration or license is mandatory. But what exactly is FSSAI, and why is it so important?

✅ What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to regulate and oversee the food industry in India.
It sets standards for:
– Food manufacturing and processing
– Packaging and labeling
– Storage and transportation
– Sale and import of food products

🧾 Who Needs an FSSAI License?
If you are involved in any stage of the food business — whether it’s preparing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, or selling food — you need to get FSSAI registration or license.

This includes:
– Restaurants and cafes
– Street food vendors
– Cloud kitchens
– Food processing units
– Corporate Genie Plansd food companies
– Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers

🔍 Types of FSSAI Licenses
FSSAI issues three types of registrations/licenses depending on the size and scale of the business:

– Basic Registration- For small businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh per year.
(Example: Home-based food businesses)
– State License- For medium-sized businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore.
(Example: Mid-size manufacturers, restaurants, units operating within one state)
– Central License- For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, or those involved in import/export or operating in multiple states.
(Example: Big food chains, exporters, e-commerce food businesses)

📌 Why is FSSAI Important?
Legal Requirement: Running a food business without FSSAI registration is illegal in India.
Consumer Trust: An FSSAI logo or license number on food packaging gives confidence to customers.
Quality Assurance: Ensures the food is prepared and handled hygienically.
Business Expansion: Helps in getting funding, partnerships, or selling through marketplaces and aggregators.

📝 How to Apply for FSSAI Registration?
The application process involves:
Determining the license type (Basic/State/Central)
Submitting the application on FSSAI’s online portal
Uploading required documents
Paying the applicable fee
Waiting for inspection and approval

Pro Tip: Take expert help to avoid errors or delays in your application!