Food License (FSSAI) Registration
Food License (FSSAI) Registration
FSSAI Registration is a fundamental legal requirement for anyone involved in the food business in India. Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this registration ensures that food products meet quality and safety standards as defined by law. Whether you’re a street food vendor, running a home-based kitchen, or managing a large-scale food manufacturing or retail operation, having a valid FSSAI license is essential. The primary objective of FSSAI Registration is to protect public health by regulating and supervising food safety. It serves as a mark of trust and reliability, reassuring customers that the food they consume comes from a compliant and quality-conscious source. It also helps businesses adopt proper hygiene and safety practices, reducing the risk of contamination and legal issues.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration is a mandatory authorization for individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products in India. This requirement is governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. Depending on the scale and nature of operations, businesses may require either an FSSAI Registration or an FSSAI License.
Why FSSAI Registration Matters
FSSAI Registration is essential for all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including restaurants, bakeries, cloud kitchens, food stalls, and hotels. Anyone engaged in the handling of food—whether through preparation, transport, sale, or storage—must obtain this registration. It not only ensures compliance with food safety laws but also enhances consumer trust and brand credibility.
Key Features of FSSAI Registration
14-Digit Registration Number: Every business receives a unique number that must be printed on all food packaging. This number identifies the registration location and the food business operator, promoting transparency.
- Assurance of Quality: The requirement to display registration details ensures that responsibility for food safety and quality is clearly attributed to the producer or vendor.
Broad Applicability: FSSAI Registration is compulsory for all types of FBOs—from small street vendors to large-scale food manufacturers. Whether registration or licensing is needed depends on the business’s scale and turnover.
Who Issues the FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is tasked with overseeing the food sector to ensure that products meet quality and safety standards. Its mission is to prevent food adulteration and protect consumers from substandard or unsafe food products across the country.
Food Business Operators Who Require FSSAI Registration?
As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), all Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in any of the following activities are required to obtain an FSSAI Registration or License, depending on the scale and type of their operations:
- Small-scale retailers such as petty shop owners, snack stalls, bakery and confectionery outlets.
- Temporary or permanent food stalls involved in the preparation, storage, distribution, or sale of food items.
- Mobile food vendors or hawkers selling freshly prepared or packaged food while moving from place to place.
- Dairy businesses, including petty milkmen, milk vendors, and milk chilling units.
- Slaughterhouses involved in processing meat for consumption.
- Meat and fish processing units, regardless of scale.
- Food manufacturing and repacking units, including those involved in assembling and repackaging edible products.
- Edible oil processing facilities, including oil expellers and refineries.
- Producers of proprietary or novel food items.
- Cold storage and refrigerated warehouses that store perishable food products.
- Food transporters, such as those using insulated/refrigerated trucks, milk tankers, food wagons, and similar vehicles.
- Wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, and marketers involved in the food supply chain.
- Restaurants, hotels, and bars serving food and beverages.
- Canteens and cafeterias, including those in schools and workplaces, and mid-day meal providers.
- Catering services and food vending agencies, both institutional and event-based.
- Dhabas, home-based canteens, PG accommodations providing meals, banquet halls with food catering services, and stalls at fairs or religious events.
- Importers and exporters of food products or ingredients.
- E-commerce food businesses, including cloud kitchens and food delivery platforms.
FSSAI Registration Eligibility
FSSAI Registration functions as a basic license for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in small-scale food operations. It is mandatory for businesses operating within specific thresholds and capacities, as outlined below:
Annual Turnover Less Than ₹12 Lakhs
Applicable to petty food retailers or individuals engaged in the manufacture and sale of food products on a small scale.
Temporary or Seasonal Food Vendors
Individuals operating temporary food stalls or distributing food during religious, social, or community events (excluding professional caterers).
Cottage and Small-Scale Food Industries
Small businesses involved in limited-scale production of food, dairy, or meat products fall under this category.
Capacity-Based Criteria for FSSAI Basic Registration
Food Production (excluding milk and meat): Up to 100 kg/litres per day
Milk Handling: Up to 500 litres per day
Slaughtering Limits:
Up to 2 large animals
Up to 10 small animals
Up to 50 poultry birds per day
Food Transportation: Operated using a single vehicle
Vending Machines: Maximum of 12 machines within one state or union territory