All you need to know about FSSAI Product Approval

Ashish M. Shaji

14 Jan, 2021

Food safety is imperative and today it has become a global concern. The regulatory authorities are taking measures to minimize food safety risks.

Significance of FSSAI Product Approval

The government and other regulatory authorities are focusing on delivering quality, wholesome, and safe food to the consumers. The enhancement of food safety standards and regulations is a major step in this direction. These standards and regulations ensure the availability of wholesome and safe food for consumption as per scientific standards. In the present, before selling the food products to the consumers, it is imperative for the manufacturers to get their food product approved by the FSSAI. Product Approval is a comprehensive validation to make food products traded in the Indian markets as per Indian rules.

FSSAI is the governing and apex authority issuing food product approval as per the set guidelines. FSSAI maintains the vigilance over each and every food product traded on the market. FSSAI Product approval requires a depth analysis of food product is likely to be sold in the market. Every marker must fall under the mandatory product approval category cannot sell / manufacture the product without the approval from the regulator.

With the implementation of the Food Safety and Standard Regulations, it has become vital for the food business operators to obtain a valid FSSAI Registration and License for conducting business in the food industry. FBOs need to obtain FSSAI food approval before making food available in the market for consumer use.

FSSAI product approval is imperative for the FBOs so as to trade in the food industry. It is essential to understand the product approval needs as it plays a fundamental role in positioning the product and so the manufacturer has no issues with the monitoring authorities.

A standard product is one that has the ingredients under the permissible guidelines, which are mentioned under the FSSAI rules and regulations^[1]. Food products need FSSAI approval when the ingredients of the product are not mentioned in the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations. Such products require the approval of FSSAI and appropriate authorities before they are introduced to the market. Also, if the product has a health claim; that is, the product is good for the heart or liver then the FBO needs to apply for product approval. The NAB-Accredited lab test reports must be provided to validate the claims.

The FBOs must apply for an FSSAI product approval as it helps to maintain hassle free manufacturing of the product and helps in the ease of imports.

When is FSSAI Product Approval required?

It is required when-

• The food product or ingredients have not been used in any country across the globe.
• If the safety assessment of the product was not performed earlier.
• Importation of product or ingredient which are new to the industry.
• The existing license holder whose product safety assessment has not been performed.
• The food product contains ingredients which are introduced for the first time in the country.
• A proprietary product that requires approval.

How to get FSSAI Product Approval?

The following process is followed for product approval:

• Business Entity Incorporation– Product approval is a major asset for any business. The application for the same can be made from a corporate entity like an LLP or Private Limited Company which allows business to be easily transferred later on along with food product licenses if needed.
• Food Business Operator License– This license is needed for businesses involved in manufacturing or handling or selling of food products. A copy of FSSAI food business operator license certificate should be provided while applying for product approval.
• Test reports– The food product approval application should be submitted with certain test reports from NABL accredited labs.
• Food product label– The application for food product approval should contain the label of the product.
• Make the payment of Product Approval Fees
• Scrutiny of all the documents
• Referral to the scientific panel, if required.
• Submit the application– When the documentation part is completed, the FSSAI product approval application can be made through the Food Product Approval System.

Information needed for FSSAI Product Approval

Product details and information submitted for Product Approval are:

1. Business Name
2. Business Address
3. Generic Name of the food product
4. Manufacturer Address
5. Phone and Email
6. Type of business
7. Product origin
8. Country of origin of the product
9. Name of the brand
10. Claim detail, if any
11. Existence in the market
12. The manufacturing method of the product
13. The shelf life of the food product.
14. Size of the package
15. A prototype of the label of the food product
16. Details of the ingredients in the product
17. Serving details
18. Real-time stability data sheet
19. End-Use Declaration Document
20. NABL Lab Certificate of product test analysis
21. Undertaking and Form 9

Application of FSSAI Product Approval Online

In the present time, the FBOs do not have to go window to window to submit the application for product approval. With the advent of the internet, today FBOs can apply for the FSSAI product approval online.

The online product approval procedure is very simple and brings transparency to the system. Any Food Business Operator can submit and track their application status online. Also, at the FSSAI website, one can get the required and detailed information about the food product approval system, FSSAI guidelines and documentation details required during the application.

There are a significant number of food products which come under the product approval procedure. Also, there are various steps involved in the documentation, submission, and validation in the product approval process and the rules and regulations are very stringent. If a product fails to acquire the product approval by FSSAI or relevant authority, then it may be difficult to obtain the product approval later.

For that reason, it is imperative to get the right information and the guidance of a professional consultant can acquire the food product approval by FSSAI successfully.

Assistance of Consultants/Professionals in the product approval process

The consultants provide end to end solutions to the FBOs and help in each step involved in the product approval process like documentation preparation, verification, and submission of an application to the FSSAI.

The consultants have the relevant experience and are acquainted with the rules, regulations, and provisions of the FSSAI related to product approval. They make the application process hassle-free and help throughout the application process. The consultants save a lot of time and make sure that all the mandatory requisites are fulfilled by FBOs for product approval and charge a reasonable price for their services. It is advantageous to avail the services of a professional consultant as they will manage everything professionally and offer excellent service.

Conclusion

The process of product approval was brought online by FSSAI with a view to increase the transparency in its procedure.  It may be noted that product approval by FSSAI is provided at Central Government level.

Do you wish to register for FSSAI License? Are you looking for a food license advisory? Feel free to contact Enterslice, India’s leading online legal and tax advisory firm.

Read our article: Implications of Non Compliance with the Provisions of FSSAI