The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that oversees the safety and quality of all foods. The authority regulates all aspects of food production, distribution, and selling, including import and export. Currently, the FSSAI is comprised of eight regional offices, four referral labs, and 72 local food testing laboratories.
The FSSAI registration process includes a thorough inspection of food businesses to ensure safety standards. In addition, the registration certificate contains the applicant’s email id. This certificate is required to be prominently displayed. The certificate must be clearly displayed in all places where food is sold or served. A temporary stall holder must also display this certificate. If the food business is not FSSAI registered, the food safety officer may issue an improvement notice, and the business operator may be forced to comply with the order.
The FSSAI has the authority to conduct chemical tests on food products and take action if necessary. Most famously, FSSAI banned Maggi noodles in 2007 for violating their food safety standards. The agency also approves food business operators. Food businesses that don’t obtain FSSAI licenses cannot operate in India. To ensure quality and safety standards, the FSSAI structures a set of laws and policies. The FSSAI prepares policies for the official authorization of food testing laboratories.
An FSSAI registration is required if you’re running a large or complex food business. For small businesses, a registration with the agency is sufficient. There are two types of licenses: FBO and manufacturer. FBOs are businesses that import and export food products. Unlike manufacturers, FBOs are not required to register. A small FSSAI registration is sufficient. But a larger license is recommended if you’re running a large food business.
