FSSAI Returns

An FSSAI license or food license is compulsory to run any food business in India. Foodservice license is valid for 1-5 years, at the end of the period of which, the license must be renewed or there is a penalty if the license is not renewed. The FSSAI renewal process can be completed 120 days before the expiry date of FSSAI registration or license.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent organization established under the auspices of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Government of India. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidation principle related to food safety and law in India. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and monitoring food safety.

The FSSAI is headed by a Non-Executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, or holding or holding a non-Secretariat post in the Government of India. Rita Teaotia is the current chairperson of FSSAI and Shri Arun Singhal is the Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI.

FSSAI has its headquarters in New Delhi. The Authority also has six regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai. 14 referral laboratories were introduced by FSSAI, 72 Government / UT laboratories located throughout India, and 112 NABL accredited independent laboratories delivered by FSSAI.

FSSAI was established by the former Minister of Trade Unions Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Government of India on 5 August 2011 under the Food Security and Standards Act, 2006 which came into effect in 2006. FSSAI has a chairperson and 22 members. FSSAI is responsible for setting food standards so that there is one body to deal with and no confusion in the minds of consumers, traders, producers, and investors.

The following are the statutory powers granted by the FSS Act, 2006 to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): 

• Fencing of food safety standards
• Establish guidelines for accreditation of food testing labs.
• Provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government.
• Contributing to the development of overseas food technology standards.
• Collecting and collecting data regarding food consumption, pollution, emerging hazards, etc.
• Disseminating information and promoting awareness of food safety and nutrition in India.

Standards designed by FSSAI are determined under Food Safety and Standards (Food and Supplementary Food Supplement) Regulation, 2011, Food Safety and Standards (Packing and Labeling) Regulation, 2011, and Food Safety and Standards (Pollution, Toxicity, and Residues) Regulations, 2011.

The FSSAI has Determined the Following Standards:

• Dairy products and analogs.
• Oils, oils, and oils emulsions
• Fruits and vegetable products
• Grain and grain products
• Meat and meat products
• Fish and fish products
• Sweets and liquids
• Sweetener agents include honey
• Salt, spices, condiments, and related products
• Beverages, (excluding milk and fruit and vegetable-based)
• Other food products and ingredients
• Properties of the property
• Food rays
• Consolidation of basic foods such as vegetable oil, milk, salt, rice, and wheat/maida flour
• Food consumption pattern
• New food products and additives
• Changes in processing technologies leading to altered specifications
• Advances in food analysis methods
• The identification of new risks or other control options.

The development of standards for any food article under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, includes several stages. After consideration by the Food Authority, draft standards are published (Draft notified), inviting participants' views. As India has signed to the WTO-SPS Committee, the Draft Standard is also introduced to the WTO. Thereafter, taking into account the comments received from the participants, the Standard is finalized and published in the Indian Gazette, and applied. 

The energy and nutrients to any human body come from food. The proper food keeps the human body healthy and active to learn, think, move and work. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 was enacted to ensure that the food we eat after purchasing from the market is acceptable and good for human consumption. This Act regulates and frames laws for the import, distribution, storage, sale, and manufacturing of food.

There are two types of FSSAI refunds depending on food products. These are the following:

FSSAI Annual Return

Every business person who sells, exports, imports, manufactures, stores, distributes, handles or distributes any type of food product must file an annual return for FSSAI

The annual FSSAI D1 return form applies to this category of food business employees. The due date for lodging the Annual Return is 31 May each year. This form is determined by the Food Security Commission and is not essential for the production of participating entrepreneurs who must complete this form.

This form must be submitted to the FSSAI licensing authority.

FSSAI Return Half Annual

• Food retailers involved in the production and distribution of dairy and dairy products must file an FSSAI semi-annual return with FSSAI licensing authority. This refund is included in the annual return form of FSSAI D2. The deadline for submission is 30 September and 30 March each year.

Details to be included on the Annual Return Form of the FSSAI.

• Every food producer, packer, refiner, importer, laborer, label holder must authorize the annual return of FSSAI and the Food Security Commission according to the category of food product sold or manufactured in the previous year. 

The FSSAI (Food Safety and standard act, 2006) serves as a regulatory body, providing the quality standards for public health and ensuring, it remains non-compromised. With this, FSSAI annual returns sprinkle innumerable benefits, which are of grave importance and are as follows- 

• Ensuring Compliance with the Stated Standards

By filing annual returns, you realise that your business is in compliance with the FSSAI regulations. Now, once you have submitted them, you represent your commitment to fulfilling the safety standards, just as adhering to the set guidelines by the authority.  Such is what fosters trust within your customers and safeguards the business from being a victim of legal issues or penalties. 

• Food Safety Practices

It is FSSAI returns that serve as a hindsight to help you assess your food practices comprehensively. This process, in turn, looks at the gaps or areas of improvement existing within operations. Once you have rectified those issues you may even benefit from the safety practices, striving towards your customer's well-being. 

• Improved Efficiency

The process of filing the annual returns FSSAI, calls for you to look for the essential information, such as storage facility, production capacity and other related measures. These exercises encourage you largely, to streamline the operations, followed by leveraging the productivity of your food business. 

• Competitive Advantage

It is by filing the annual returns with FSSAI that you get to have a competitive advantage in the market. It is representative of the commitment to ensure food quality and safety, which attracts more customers when choosing food products. As a cherry on the cake, consumers today are seeking businesses that fulfil the regulatory standards, shaping the annual returns as an effective marketing tool. 

Thus, filing annual returns with FSSAI comes with overloaded benefits and can benefit your food business, by encouraging food-safety practices.  

Who can file FSSAI Returns?

The FSSAI annual returns can be filled by the following, which are as follows-

• FBO that has a business turnover of more than 12 lakhs 
• An FBO that manages to manufacture and distribute milk
• An FBO that looks after storing, exporting and transporting any food product. 

Who are exempted from Filing Returns?

With food license annual returns stepping in, there are certain exemptions, restricting several entities from filing returns, which are as follows- 

• Fast-food joints
• Grocery Store
• Canteens
• Restaurants

The Government of India introduced the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to regulate the importation, distribution, storage, production and sale of food products. Obtaining a license, displaying a license within the premises and on the food articles is mandatory for all those working in the food business. Similarly, it is compulsory for everyone working in the food business to file an FSSAI Annual Return: 

• Everyone who works in the food business with an FSSAI license and an income of more than Rs. 12 lakhs must file an annual FSSAI return.
• Every business person who sells, exports, imports, manufactures, stores, distributes, handles or distributes any type of food product must file an annual return for FSSAI.
• All those FBO licenses who are engaged in the process of manufacturing of milk and/or milk products are required to file returns on a half-yearly basis.

Businesses Exempt From Filing an Annual FSSAI Refund

Following food business operators are exempt from filing an annual FSSAI refund:

• Fast Food Members
• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Coffee 

The Details That will be Included in all FSSAI return Forms Are:

• The name of a food product imported, exported, manufactured or owned by a businessman.
• The size of the packaging item such as a canister or bottle.
• Abundance of food product by metric tonne.
• Price of food product.
• Maximum kilograms of food products imported or exported.
• The retail price can be per kg or per unit package.
• If you export, the name of the countries where food products are exported.
• Measure per kg or per packing unit FOB or CIF.

The following are the steps to file an annual FSSAI refund form:

• Download the required form of the food product the business affiliates with from the official FSSAI website. In case of milk, it is in Form D2 and in all other units it is in Form D1.
• All basic business information must be completed correctly and correctly.
• All information relating to the sale of the previous year and the amount generated should be collected and completed on the form in accordance with the relevant financial statements.
• Fill in all other details relevant to the business food product such as product name, packaging size, price, sale price, import price, country name, etc.
• If this is your first year of business enter details such as nil.
• Review all completed data and compare the same with the completed data when applying for a food license. 
• In the event of a change that revises the license accordingly.
• If all data is final, send the same. However, this refund should be sent to the local licensing authority by registered mail or by email.
• FSSAI does not guarantee or accept the submission of returns. So, keep a copy with you.

Completion of FSSAI Annual Refund

An entity may submit an annual refund to FSSAI at their discretion. Return forms are available in portable mode. Food operators can therefore file an annual computer or physical return for any convenience.

The registration or license granted is valid unless otherwise stated, for a period of 1 to 5 years as determined by the Food Business Operator, from the date of issue of registration or license subject to the payment of the fee payable thereto.

Penalty and Penalty for excluding FSSAI refund

Section 2.1.13 (3) of FSS (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011 states that every food worker who does not submit an annual FSSAI refund within the stipulated period will be fined Rs. 100 per day until the delay.

Other Regulations of the FSSAI Act

The additional rules set by the FSSAI Act to be followed by all those who work in the food industry are as follows:

• The business must comply with all applicable terms.
• Rules regarding cleanliness and hygiene of the area and staff must be followed.
• Records of sales, use, raw materials, and construction must be updated daily and maintained independently.
• The materials used should be of the specified quality
• Any food article should not be produced, stored, or exposed for sale near the handle, urine, privacy or waste route.
• Plant and equipment and all types of equipment should be cleaned regularly.
• Food items should be regularly inspected for microbiological contamination and synthetic materials.
• The required temperature of the food product must be maintained throughout the store network from acquisition until the end-user receives it.

At Corpseed, we understand the immense value of FSSAI annual returns and its tremendous impact on your business's success. With our team of highly experienced professionals, we are committed to helping you unlock new levels of achievement and propel your business forward. By partnering with us, you gain access to expertise and system.