FSSAI Registration/Licensing for Restaurant Business in India

Ashish M. Shaji

14 Jan, 2021

Are you planning to open a restaurant? If yes, you need to follow certain FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines and seek an FSSAI Registration in order to open a restaurant.

FSSAI License requirement for Restaurant Business in India

• In any country, there are certain laws and regulations that need to be followed to ensure the safety of the consumers. Seeking a food license to open a restaurant is just a way to protect the interests of the consumers.
• If you are starting restaurant business in India then you must know other compliance and registration requirement.
• In India, to open up a restaurant or any food business, it is imperative to comply with the guidelines set by FSSAI or the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• As per section 31(1) and 31(2) of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, every food business operator in the country should be licensed /registered under the FSSAI. The licensing and registration procedure and needs are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations 2011.
• Before getting FSSAI License/Registration, FSSAI Department will ensure that the restaurant has all arrangements which is required for smooth functioning and its compliance as per the law of the land.
• The license by FSSAI ensures the standardization and safety of food products produced, manufactured and sold in the country.

Coverage of Food License for Small Restaurant Business

• For Small restaurant business, you can apply for FSSAI registration, even for Turnover less than Rs. 12 Lakhs,
• FSSAI regulation has been made mandatory by the government of India.
• As a restaurant owner make sure that food produced in an eatery or a restaurant is as per the quality standards set by the Food Authority. This way, problems like the inferior quality of food or food adulteration can be avoided.

Categories of Food License

The FSSAI license / FSSAI Registration has been divided into three categories:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration– This is for food business operators like petty food manufacturers and also the small sized manufacturers, storage units, retailers etc. Food business operators with yearly turnover within 12 lakhs can apply for this.
2. FSSAI State License– This is required for small to medium sized manufacturers, storage units, retailers etc. It is issued by the state government. Food business operators with yearly turnover of more than 12 lakh and less than 20 crores can apply for this.
3. FSSAI Central License– This is required for food business operators like importers, large manufacturers, operators in central government agencies etc. It is issued by Central Government.  Food business operators with yearly turnover of more than 20 crores can apply for this.

What is the Role of Government while issuing Food License for a restaurant?

• In India, selling of food whether by a small restaurant or a big hotel is monitored by FSSAI. It is a government authority that manages and handles the food business in India.
• Since food is quite a sensitive subject, having quite an impact on the health of the consumer, it is imperative to make sure that there is no compromise with its quality.
• The government has made strict rules and regulations, and directed food businesses of the country to follow them.

Thus, when planning to set up a food business, it is imperative to apply for a food license. This way, the government tries to ensure food safety. The businesses must also ensure that the food sold by them is not harmful to the consumers in any way.

At the registration time, a proper verification process is conducted to ensure safety. As the registration process is completed, a food license is issued.

What is the Significance of Food License/Registration for Restaurant Business?

• Before applying for the food license, the business owner needs to check whether he is eligible for acquiring a food license. As per the FSSAI Act, 2006^[1], the company that has an annual turnover of less than Rs 12 Lakh only needs an FSSAI Registration.
• But, if the annual turnover is more than Rs 12 Lakh, an FSSAI License is mandatory. These days, it is possible to complete an online FSSAI Registration.
• After acquiring a food license, make sure that the food produced at your outlet has been chemically verified and thus totally safe to consume.
• Consuming adulterated food or food with harmful ingredients may be damaging to health.
• There are many instances when a food business faces accusations regarding the use of cheap or adulterated ingredients or unsafe ingredients.
• Acquiring a food license helps in protecting a food business against such challenges and accusations.
• Having a license to operate is factual proof of food safety and assuring people about the safety of food with no adverse health consequences.
• Acquiring a food license also ensures the reliability of your company. Once a food license has been obtained, the business enterprise can announce it officially.
• FSSAI certification also helps in marketing a food business. The customers using the services of such an establishment are assured about the quality of the food being served and available. A level of trust develops which increases business reliability and profitability.
• Acquiring a food license also help consumers gain an assurance that the food being served is of a high standard. When the verification process of food is taking place, quality verification is also conducted. This ensures that the food products’ quality is maintained which is again a much-desired assurance for the consumers.

Is FSSAI License issued after proper verification?

FSSAI issues Food License only after proper verification of the business. This verification includes the verification of ingredients being used as well as chemical verification. This way, the food product reaching the end consumers is totally safe to consume after all it’s about the health of the people. The process of food manufacturing is also checked. In case there are any flaws or any scope for improvement, improvements are indicated to the business to ensure changes.

All these factors mentioned above helps us in understanding the significance of obtaining FSSAI registration/License for Restaurant when venturing into the food business. The government doesn’t want to take any risk with the health of people. When a business enterprise goes through the process of acquiring this license and is open to get any kind of verification done, it is basically an acceptance of the fact that the health and life of the consumers are paramount to them. Moreover, consumers tend to trust those eateries that carry proper licenses to operate.

Conclusion

The companies through FSSAI Registration for Restaurant can safeguard themselves against false accusations made against the food manufactured by them. Accusations pertaining to food safety and health issues can be easily countered by the business. Thus, seeking an FSSAI license is a serious matter and it must not be taken lightly. When planning to open a restaurant, one must immediately start the procedure of applying and obtaining FSSAI license. It is for the company’s and customers’ benefit in the long run. Seek a professional’s help in obtaining this license. They can simplify the process by completing the documentation and legal formalities.

Read our article:Why FBOs follow FSSAI Compliance?