The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a nodal agency under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It was established in 2003 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The primary function of FSSAI is to regulate food safety through registration and monitoring of manufacturing plants, distributors and retailers. It also enforces provisions of this Act through inspection and prosecution. The agency has a number of other responsibilities too, including promotion of food safety awareness among consumers. Formulation of standards for safe food production and processing technology, undertaking research on new technologies related to food safety and development of guidelines for import/export trade.
The body has its headquarters in Delhi with regional centres in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai as well as five regional laboratories located at Kolkata (West Bengal), Hyderabad (Telangana), Cochin (Kerala), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).
What is an FSSAI License?
An FSSAI license is a permission from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to operate a specific type of food establishment.
An FSSAI license is a permission from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to operate a specific type of food establishment. The rules governing the issuance, renewal, and amendment of an FSSAI license are contained in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 gives the Central Government powers over food safety and standards in India. It also provides for some independent powers to States. These are exercised by their respective State Governments through their respective State Food Safety Authorities (SFSA).
What is the process to get an FSSAI license?
The Food Safety and Standards Act,2006 (FSSA) was enacted to prevent food adulteration, misbranding and unsafe food products. To help in this endeavor, the FSSA has established a national food safety system based on the principles of continuous improvement, transparency and accountability.
To be eligible for an FSSAI license, one must first apply for it online at fssai.gov.in/applications/index.php. The application form is available in English and Hindi languages. After filling up your details, upload documents related to your education, experience and testimonials from employers etc. Finally submit the form by clicking on ‘Submit’ button.
The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducts a written test every year for registration of food inspectors across India. Candidates are selected through entrance examination conducted by FSSAI itself. Or by other organizations appointed by it for conducting such examinations.
The minimum eligibility criterion for getting exam registration is as follows:
A graduate from any university recognized by UGC with at least 55% marks in aggregate in Bachelor’s degree course. Or equivalent qualification from any other university recognized by UGC with at least 55% marks in aggregate in Bachelor’s degree course or equivalent qualification
What are the documents required for the FSSAI license?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has a lot of documents that need to be submitted. Here are the documents required for the FSSAI license.
- Application form
- Original proof of age
- Passport size photographs
- Copy of PAN card or driving license with address proof and identity card number, if applicable
- Two passport size photographs with white background, one on top and another on bottom. With signature or signature thumb impression (one per applicant)
- Income certificate issued by employer/company, if any
