Overview of FSSAI Registration:
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a premier government body that underpins standards for the selling, packaging or storage of food items in India. To ensure utmost food safety, the FSSAI has mandated every food business operator to secure an applicable food license. FSSAI functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of India. FSSAI outlines various guidelines and standards in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
FSSAI Basic Registration generally covers the small FBOs. It is entirely distinct from the FSSAI central and state license. FSSAI Basic registration can be secured electronically by filling the FSSAI registration form on an electronic system known as Food Licensing & Registration System (FLRS).
FLRS also enables the applicant to track the submitted application during the processing stage. Almost 35 States/Union Territories have been granted a license/registration certification electronically. The FSSAI license is usually granted for a timeframe ranging from 01-05 years. The license holder should renew their certification before thirty days of the expiration date via the FLRS portal.
Key Functions performed by FSSAI in India:
- Outlining rules and regulations pertaining to food safety and awareness.
- Granting food licenses to eligible food businesses.
- Setting out procedures & norms for food testing labs.
- Facilitating recommendations to GOI in outlining new policies.
- Collecting data related to contaminants in food articles.
- Identifying the potential risks in the food sector or supply chain of food.
- Conducting an on-site inspection of the premises dealing with food processing or manufacturing.
- Leveraging rapid alert system for speedy detection of problems with food items available to masses.
FSAAI has underpinned a stringent operating framework for proprietary food units as most of them operate without any regulations. The authority has not allowed these entities to function without legal consent. It is vital for entities in the food sector regardless of their scope of operation and annual turnover to register with FSSAI.