Every food business in India must have an FSSAI license to keep our food safe and good. The license implies that the business adheres to all the rules to ensure that the food is clean and healthy. FSSAI checks everything to keep us safe. Getting this license is of prime importance to any company dealing in food products, be it the food manufacturer or marketer, as it proves that they care about their customers. If businesses keep themselves in line with these rules, people can rely on the food they intake to be safe and well-prepared.

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What is an FSSAI License?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This is a specific group ensuring that food is safe for consumption by all. Every business that trades in food items, like restaurants and shops, requires an FSSAI license as proof that it adheres to the standards. FSSAI checks the manufacturing process, storage, and sales of food items. It maintains cleanliness and health in food items.

When a food business gets an FSSAI license, it comes with a unique 14-digit number. Printed on the food package is this number so that people know the food is safe for consumption. It is a very important piece of paper for a business. It expresses concern for customers' health. In this manner, everyone can enjoy tasty and safe food without worrying.

Types of FSSAI License

There are 3 types of FSSAI license: 

• FSSAI basic registration: FSSAI basic registration is that which can be obtained by food businesses that produce less than ₹ 12 lakh each year. The registrations are obtained through small cafes, food stalls, and hawkers. Form A needs to be submitted for the completion of this registration form. Such registrations ensure the consumption of healthy foods.
• FSSAI state license: Food business units that generate ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crores per annum require an FSSAI state license. Medium-sized businesses require it, like larger restaurants and food distributors fall into this category. This license is applied in form B, ensuring that the food business follows all the safety rules.
• FSSAI central licence: Businesses earning more than ₹20 crore in a year need to get an FSSAI central license. This license is required for large businesses and businesses that operate in more than one state. For this registration also, Form B is used, just like the state license.

Importance of FSSAI License for Every Food Business?

Obtaining the FSSAI license is something of extreme importance among food businesses to stay legal, safe, trusted and successful. Here is why:

• Being legally compliant - Every food business requires an FSSAI license. The purpose of this license indicates that the concern complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. There is a case in which a lot of businesses got fined or are being shut without it.
• Assurance of food safety: An FSSAI license assures that the food is safe to eat. The process involved here is through strict checks that ensure hygiene and quality are up to the mark. This protects all from getting ill due to contaminated food.
• Competitive advantage: An FSSAI license provides food businesses with a competitive advantage as compared to its counterparts. It stands out in the crowd since most customers prefer a business that operates within safety standards. It can be particularly beneficial in competing for new markets.
• Building consumer trust: An FSSAI license assures the business that it is trusted by the customers. Consumers feel secure when they buy food from a licensed business as it indicates that the business takes quality and safety seriously. The consumer may also become more loyal.
• Market access and expansion opportunities: A large number of locations, including schools and hospitals, will demand suppliers who have an FSSAI license. It would expand further access to business markets and attract more customers to it.
• Better brand reputation: It enhances the reputation of a brand as a business with an FSSAI license is taken seriously about the high safety and quality standards, and people prefer to join or enter into business with the said firm.
• Access to valuable resources: The FSSAI license will open access to very helpful resources. These include food safety practice updates and training programs. All these help to make the business well-updated and better operate.
• Risk management: Foodborne illness is a reality, but with an FSSAI license, one can reduce such risks. There are frequent inspections that ensure problems can be detected at an early stage, and so both customers and the business will be safe.

Also Read: The Importance of FSSAI Central License for Exporting Food Products

Penalty for Non- Compliance

Food safety is very important. If food fails to meet safety rules, penalties apply. Here are some types of non-compliance and their fines.

• Food quality problems: If food quality is not as per the law, then the fine is 2 lakh. The fine is a lot lesser at 25,000 for small producers. So basically, it implies that everybody should ensure food safety and quality.
• Low-quality food: The penalty increases to 5 lakh if food quality is poor. This is why businesses keep on promoting quality food.
• Misbranded food: When the packaging of food has wrong information, then it is termed misbranding. The penalty for this is 3 lakh. Clear and correct labels are very important for safety.
• Misleading advertisements: Making false claims in advertisements can get a business into big trouble of 10 lakh. A business should not misrepresent what it is selling.
• Extraneous matter in food: If unwanted things are found in food, the business will have to pay a fine of 1 lakh. This rule makes food clean and safe.
• Not obeying the orders: If a food safety officer instructs something and a business does not follow, the fine is 2 lakh. This direction-following process helps in the protection of public health.
• Unhygienic processing: Any food processed in dirty conditions has to pay 1 lakh rupees. Cleaning every aspect during the food processing phase saves all of us from diseases.

Also Read: How to Apply for an FSSAI Central License Online

Conclusion

Having an FSSAI license is important as it legally denotes food safety to maintain high standards. It satisfies the customers psychologically, and most importantly, reflects that their health concerns are kept in mind while providing them with the products. As a result of this license, businesses secure a competitive position, a good brand reputation, and more avenues in the marketplace. The FSSAI license further provides access to resourceful assets and in-depth risk management through regular inspections. Penalties, loss of trust by customers, and other great losses await unlicensed businesses. Ensuring food safety and quality with an FSSAI license ensures clean, safe, and enjoyable food for all.