1. Introduction to FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and hygiene across the country. It sets guidelines for food businesses to maintain quality standards and prevent health risks. Every food business operator (FBO) must comply with FSSAI Registration Online to legally operate in India.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the FSSAI rules and regulations that every food business should know, covering licensing, hygiene standards, labeling requirements, penalties, and compliance procedures.

2. Importance of FSSAI Compliance for Food Businesses

FSSAI regulations are essential for:

  • Ensuring the safety and quality of food products.

  • Protecting consumer health by preventing food adulteration and contamination.

  • Boosting consumer confidence and business credibility.

  • Avoiding legal penalties and business shutdowns.

  • Expanding business opportunities by meeting national and international food safety standards.

3. FSSAI Registration and Licensing

Every food business must obtain an FSSAI license or registration based on its size and nature. There are three types:

a) FSSAI Basic Registration

  • For small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh.

  • Suitable for small food vendors, home-based food businesses, and small retailers.

  • Requires a basic FSSAI registration certificate.

b) FSSAI State License

  • For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover of ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore.

  • Required for manufacturers, storage units, transporters, and distributors operating within a single state.

c) FSSAI Central License

  • For large food businesses with an annual turnover of above ₹20 crore.

  • Mandatory for food exporters, importers, large manufacturers, and businesses operating in multiple states.

  • Required for businesses handling high-risk food products such as dairy, meat, and packaged foods.

4. FSSAI Compliance for Food Safety and Hygiene

FSSAI mandates strict food safety and hygiene standards, including:

a) Personal Hygiene for Food Handlers

  • Employees must wear clean uniforms, gloves, and hairnets.

  • Regular handwashing and sanitization practices should be followed.

  • Medical check-ups are required for food handlers to prevent contamination.

b) Cleanliness and Sanitation

  • Workspaces, kitchens, and storage areas must be cleaned regularly.

  • Food preparation surfaces should be sanitized to avoid contamination.

  • Pest control measures should be implemented to prevent infestations.

c) Storage and Transportation Guidelines

  • Raw and cooked food should be stored separately to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Proper refrigeration should be used for perishable food items.

  • Transport vehicles should be clean and maintain the required temperature.

5. Labeling and Packaging Regulations

FSSAI requires all packaged food products to follow labeling and packaging guidelines:

a) Mandatory Labeling Information

Every food package must include:

  • FSSAI License Number

  • Product Name and Description

  • Ingredient List (with percentage details for key ingredients)

  • Nutritional Information (per serving, including calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, and salt)

  • Allergen Information (for nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.)

  • Manufacturing and Expiry Date

  • Net Quantity and Price

  • Name and Address of Manufacturer

b) Packaging Standards

  • Food must be packed in materials that prevent contamination.

  • Plastic packaging must comply with environmental regulations.

  • Use of recycled or harmful packaging materials is prohibited.

6. Food Testing and Quality Control

FSSAI mandates regular food testing to ensure safety and compliance:

  • Periodic Lab Testing: Food samples must be tested in NABL-accredited labs.

  • Quality Certification: Certain food categories require additional quality certifications (e.g., AGMARK, BIS standards).

  • Random Inspections: FSSAI inspectors can conduct surprise visits to check food safety measures.

7. FSSAI Guidelines for Specific Food Businesses

Different types of food businesses must follow specific guidelines:

a) Restaurants and Cafes

  • Must maintain separate cooking and storage areas for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

  • Use purified water for cooking and cleaning.

  • Display an FSSAI license in a visible place.

b) Food Manufacturers

  • Must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as per FSSAI norms.

  • Ensure raw materials meet safety standards.

  • Maintain records of suppliers and batch production.

c) Online Food Aggregators (e.g., Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, Flipkart)

  • Must ensure that all listed food vendors have valid FSSAI licenses.

  • Provide accurate food product descriptions and expiry details.

  • Implement safety measures for food storage and delivery.

d) Street Food Vendors

  • Must use clean utensils and filtered water.

  • Follow hygiene practices, including handwashing and wearing gloves.

  • Display FSSAI registration details at their stall.

e) Dairy and Meat Processing Units

  • Milk and meat products must be stored at appropriate temperatures.

  • Use hygienic processing techniques to prevent contamination.

  • Follow animal welfare and handling standards as per FSSAI guidelines.

8. FSSAI Licensing Renewal and Validity

FSSAI licenses must be renewed periodically:

  • Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years.

  • Renewal should be done at least 30 days before expiration.

  • Late renewal may result in fines and penalties.

  • Non-renewal can lead to the cancellation of the license and business closure..

Suggested read: FSSAI license Renewal in India

9. Conclusion

FSSAI regulations play a vital role in ensuring food safety and consumer well-being. Every food business, from small vendors to large manufacturers, must comply with these rules to operate legally and maintain product quality. By obtaining the correct FSSAI license, following hygiene and labeling standards, and ensuring regular food testing, businesses can build trust with consumers and avoid legal issues. Understanding and implementing FSSAI guidelines is essential for the success and sustainability of any food-related enterprise in India.