FSSAI License for Restaurant- A Complete Guide

FSSAI License or Registration is a compulsory requirement for all food business operators in India under The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It also lay out specific guidelines for running a restaurant in India. Nowadays, the Food Safety Authorities are becoming more and more vigilant and shutting down restaurants not having FSSAI License. Therefore for avoiding this situation, every restaurant should necessarily follow the guidelines and get FSSAI registration.

Here in this article, we will look into what is the definition of FSSAI License, different types of FSSAI License, process to get FSSAI License for restaurant, guidelines and general rules for restaurants in India.

What is an FSSAI License?

Before starting a food business, every food business operator has to get an FSSAI License. It stands for Food Safety and Standard Authority of India License. The Food Safety Authority issues this license under FSS(Licensing and registration of food businesses) Regulation, 2011. This is the most important license for starting a restaurant in India. Through this, they get a 14 digit registration number. Another key point is that this FSSAI License aims at creating more accountability on food business operators to maintain the food quality.

Why get an FSSAI License for your Restaurant?

• Firstly it helps to ensure that the restaurant has a good food quality.
• FSSAI registration bestows confidence in consumers, the simple FSSAI logo on the menus and pamphlets means that the restaurant adheres to the food quality guidelines.
• It aids in the expansion of business and helps to standardize the food quality. Consumers can freely trust the food quality, which also increases the business.
• After the food business operators get a license, they have to make sure that the food produced is chemically verified and safe for consumption.
• Moreover, it is necessary for the prevention of adulteration of food with harmful ingredients.
• Having a license guarantees that the restaurant is following all the safety guidelines.

Is it mandatory to get FSSAI License for a restaurant?

Under section 31 of the Food and Standard Act, 2006, no one can commence or carry on a food business without an FSSAI License. Hence, it is mandatory to have an FSSAI License for restaurants also.

Different Types of FSSAI License and Registration for Restaurant

Every food business is different on the basis of the scale of operation.  Following are three types of FSSAI License/Registration-

FSSAI Basic Registration – If the business turnover is of less than Rs. 12 lakh then the food business operator has to get a basic FSSAI registration.

FSSAI State License – If the food business operator has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 12 Lakh and less than Rs. 20 crore, then they have to get an FSSAI State License.

FSSAI Central License – When the business is of more than Rs. 20 crore in a year, then they have to apply for FSSAI Central License.

How to get an FSSAI Registration for your Restaurant?

Here is a simple step by step guide for FSSAI Registration for your new restaurant-

Step 1

The very first step before starting a restaurant is to check the eligibility of the food business operator, whether they fall under Central, State license or Basic registration. Thereupon the applicant have to enter the address on the official website to check the eligibility.

If your restaurant is having an annual turnover of up to Rs. 20 crores, then go for State License and if it is more than Rs. 20 crore then apply for Central License.

Step 2

Thereafter go to the official website of FSSAI and sign up for the appropriate license by filling the sign-up form.

Step 3

Once the account activation is complete, you will get an SMS and e-mail confirmation.

Note: This user ID is only valid for a period of 30 days, so make sure you apply for FSSAI License within 30 days.

Step 4

After signing in, fill the online form and submit the relevant documents.

Step 5

After filling the online form, it is advisable to take a printout of the form before the final submission.

Step 6

Once the application procedure is complete, the applicant has to note down the reference number to track the progress of the registration application.

Step 7

Lastly after proper verification, the license will be granted to the restaurant.

Which documents are required for FSSAI registration?

Here is the list of documents required for applying for FSSAI license-

1. Form duly completed and signed by the restaurant owner.
2. Identity and address proof issued by government authority.
3. List of directors along with their identity proof.
4. Valid Email ID and Contact Number.
5. Food Safety Management plan.
6. NOCs from Municipal Corporations or local bodies.
7. Authority letter stating the credentials of the person nominated by the manufacturer for inspection and collection of samples etc. (for manufacturers and processors)
8. Kitchen Layout Plan.
9. Partnership Deed or Affidavit of Proprietorship.
10. Analysis Report on water.
11. List of Food Category. (for manufacturers)
12. List of equipment along with their details like installed capacity and horsepower used.
13. Medical Certificates of Employees.
14. Source of milk or raw material for meat and meat processing plants.

Guidelines for running a restaurant

Every restaurant has to follow a certain list of FSSAI guidelines for running a restaurant in India. Here is a list of guidelines you require as a restaurant-

Display FSSAI License

The Restaurant has to display the FSSAI Licenses on their premises. Furthermore, they have to mention safety messages on the food items to make sure that you comply with the FSSAI Guidelines.

Under The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Amendment Regulations, 2018, it is mandatory for restaurants to display food safety boards mentioning details about hygiene, good manufacturing practices, etc.

Cancellation of FSSAI License

If your license is canceled, then you can appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. Furthermore, the food business operator can challenge the order in the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court.

Food Business in Two States

If any food business operator is running a food business in more than two states, then he has to get a central license for its head office and a separate license or registration depending upon the turnover or capacity from the State or Central Licensing Authority.

FSSAI License Renewal

The Food Business operators have to apply for renewal 30 days before expiry. They cannot renew the license, if not applied within 30 days before the expiry of license. In case they have not applied for renewal before expiry of period they will have to apply for a fresh license.

Penalties for non-compliance

All the registered food business operators have to adhere to all the FSSAI rules and regulations. A food safety officer conducts an inspection and further identifies the level of compliance followed by the food business operators. Based on this, it issues an improvement notice as per section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. Furthermore if the operators fail to comply with the notice, the officer may cancel the license after giving a reasonable opportunity of hearing.

General FSSAI Rules to be followed by Restaurants

• Firstly, the restaurant should know the practices followed for food handling.
• They should regularly keep a check on the health and hygiene status of food handlers.
• The restaurants should obtain raw materials from reliable and known dealers only as well as they should make it a point to use safe water.
• Additionally these food business operator should design, construct, maintain all the food-related equipments, etc.
• Restaurants should also make sure that the food is not prepared in an unhygienic environment.
• The restaurants should specifically have a proper waste disposal and pest control. By and large all the biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste should be separated.

Conclusion

When a company gets an FSSAI license, it safeguards itself from false accusations about food quality. When planning to start a restaurant, the first and foremost step is to get an FSSAI License. This will benefit the restaurant as well as the customers. For online registration of FSSAI License, it is always advisable to take professional help.

For more information on FSSAI Registration, contact our team of experts at LawyerINC.