In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of online food delivery applications. Currently, individuals can enjoy meals by placing online orders using delivery applications. They entice customers with a variety of promotions and deals. Studies show that online food delivery has quadrupled compared to traditional stores. Simply put, food delivery services have a large existing audience in the market, which can assist the start-up in building a strong customer base quickly. Swiggy, Food Panda, Zomato, Uber Eats, etc., for example, unexpectedly generate a significant amount of income.

Research indicates that the growth of online food delivery services will be almost four times greater than that of traditional physical stores. With increased comfort in eating at home, these food delivery apps will gain even more popularity. We have witnessed the success of apps such as Swiggy and Zomato, which are thriving in their respective markets. In just a short time, these applications have expanded to various parts of the nation, reaching even smaller cities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 categories. As internet usage and availability of smartphones expand, these food delivery apps will also experience further growth. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the online food delivery service industry has great potential in India.

--------------Blog Contact Form-------------

Steps to Take Before Developing an Online Food Delivery App

• Before you develop an online food delivery app, take a moment to review the necessary steps.
• Ensure you carry out comprehensive market research to truly grasp your target audience.
• Attempt to understand the characteristics of your target market, the specific audience you intend to serve, and their preferences and aversions.
• Try evaluating your competitors' products to see what features they lack, allowing you to incorporate those into your final product.
• Recognize deficiencies in the system and develop a strategy to eliminate them, giving you a distinctive advantage.
• Design a menu considering all these factors to ensure you meet the demands and expectations of all your customers.
• When planning a menu, remember to take into account both the access to ingredients and the cooking skills to avoid feeling stressed later on.
• After establishing a meal plan, choose a pricing strategy that is in line with your competitors' prices while also ensuring a healthy profit margin for your business.

What Are the Necessary Features for an Online Food Delivery Service App?

• A registration page that enables users to sign up on their own;
• A user's profile page that displays all necessary information about them.
• A feature for searching food within the app which enables users to search for food items and restaurants.
• A webpage that displays the address and position of the restaurants listed.
• Live tracking enables users to monitor the precise whereabouts of their delivery partner in real time.
• To ensure orders can be placed quickly, it is essential to have the Easy Order Placement feature.
• To guarantee fast app opening, a minimal loading time is necessary.
• Anticipate user preferences by recalling previous orders and prioritizing frequently visited restaurants at the top of the page.
• An uncomplicated payment gateway; processing transactions quickly and safely.

In conclusion, the app should be easy for users to use, with straightforward navigation for exploring its features.

What is FSSAI License?

Having an FSSAI license is required for every food business operator, including those operating a Food Delivery Application in India. The classification of FSSAI Registration is mainly divided into three categories - Basic, State, and Central License. These licenses can be obtained depending on the size of the business and the revenue earned.

FSSAI license holders must prevent any wrongdoing in the food industry as required by law. It is their responsibility to guarantee that the food offered to customers is safe and free from contamination and other harmful ingredients. According to regulations set by the government, the FSSAI license is valid for one year.

• Basic License

Suitable for small businesses generating less than Rs. 12 lakh annually, with the option to extend based on revenue growth.

• State License

Entities like moderate-sized processors, producers, merchants, advertisers, or carriers are under the authority of the FSSAI state license authorized by the state government. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses generating between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores annually. It can also be extended to a central license.

• Central License

Large-scale businesses in food processing, transportation, manufacturing, and international food trade must secure the FSSAI central license. It is required for businesses with annual revenue exceeding Rs. 20 crores or those involved in import/export or government supply.

Is FSSAI license Mandatory for Food Delivery Apps?

Getting an FSSAI license is necessary before commencing any food business activities in India. By the regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), all food-related enterprises, no matter their size, must obtain a license or registration. It is required for operating Aggregator Food Delivery apps such as Swiggy, Zomato, Uber Eats, Foodpanda, etc, as they are online businesses providing a platform for listing, directory of FBO, food products, and processing orders on their site. All restaurants are required to have an FSSAI License.

Why an FSSAI License is Essential for Food Delivery Apps

• Guarantees the Safety and Quality of Food: An FSSAI license ensures that the food provided adheres to strict safety and quality criteria, safeguarding customers from foodborne diseases and ensuring the trustworthiness of your business.
• Compliance with laws and regulations: It is against the law to operate without an FSSAI license. Failure to follow rules can lead to harsh consequences, such as monetary penalties and shutdown of operations. Having an FSSAI license means you are working within the boundaries of the law.
• Establishes a sense of confidence and reliability: Obtaining an FSSAI license boosts the reputation of your app and helps establish trust with consumers. It indicates that your business follows strict food safety and hygiene guidelines.
• Aids in increasing market reach: An FSSAI license is typically necessary when collaborating with eateries and when broadening your business operations to various states, as it holds national credibility.

Benefits of Obtaining FSSAI License by Food Delivering Apps

• Confidence of the consumers: Obtaining an FSSAI license boosts customer trust by ensuring the safety and quality of the food being served, ultimately increasing confidence in your business.
• Opportunities for starting a business: Obtaining an FSSAI license creates fresh business prospects, such as collaborating with renowned eateries and entering uncharted markets.
• Advantage in competition: Having a legitimate FSSAI license differentiates your app from competitors without one, establishing your service as trustworthy and dependable in food delivery.
• Reducing risks: Adhering to FSSAI regulations reduces the chances of facing legal problems, penalties, and interruptions in business, guaranteeing seamless and continuous activities.

Procedure to Register for FSSAI License through the Food Delivery App

• Select the suitable FSSAI license classification.
• Collect the necessary paperwork such as ownership information, list of food items, safety management program, address confirmation, identification, and water testing results.
• Submit the required documents, pay the application fee, and apply for an FSSAI license via the Food Licence and Registration System (FLRS) website.
• Once you have obtained the FSSAI license, you have the option to sign up with your Food Delivery Apps
• To sell on Food Delivery Apps, you must submit your FSSAI license number, PAN, and other necessary business details.
• Then these Food Delivery Apps will authenticate your FSSAI permit and information.
• Begin marketing your food items directly to customers on the platform.

Validity and FSSAI License Renewal

The FSSAI License/Registration can be issued for a duration of 1 to 5 years, based on the preference of the Food Business Operator. This period of validity starts from the issue date. The Food Business Operator (FBO) needs to begin the process of renewing their FSSAI License at least 30 days before it expires.

Penalties for Operating a Food Business without an FSSAI License

If someone who is supposed to have a license engages in activities involving food without the necessary permission, they will face penalties. Included in these penalties are:

• Imprisonment: The offender could be sentenced to jail for a duration of up to six months.
• Monetary Penalty: Along with imprisonment, the offender may also face a fine, which could go up to five lakh rupees.

Undertaking food-related business operations without the necessary FSSAI license can result in legal ramifications such as imprisonment and substantial fines. Regularly checking your FSSAI license can assist in minimizing the chances of facing penalties and non-compliance problems.

Read Our Blog: FoSCoS – Food Registration Online on Portal (fssai.gov.in)

Conclusion

Getting an FSSAI license is an important requirement for every food delivery app that is active in India. It guarantees adherence to legal standards, boosts your company's reputation, and fosters consumer confidence. By adhering to the outlined steps, you can obtain the required licenses and run your food delivery service successfully and smoothly

Read Our Blog:

• Understanding FoSCoS FSSAI: Regulations, Objectives, Services, and Procedures
• FoSCoS FSSAI License - Online Registration Process in India
• Food Safety And Compliance System (FoSCoS)
• FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
• Food Safety | FSSAI Food And Safety Guidelines For FBO’s
• How to Get FSSAI License