Food License

To ensure your business complies with food safety standards, you need to obtain the FSSAI food license. There are three types of licenses under FSSAI depending on the scale of your business:

The type of FSSAI license that an establishment requires is largely determined by the scale of its operations:

After you receive your FSSAI license, there are several compliance requirements and post-registration steps that need to be followed:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has laid down specific requirements for different types of food establishments in the country. Whether you run a small food stall, a large manufacturing unit, or an online food delivery service, the FSSAI provides a framework to ensure food safety and quality. Below is a comprehensive guide on the types of food establishments and the corresponding FSSAI license requirements.

1. Restaurants and Cafés

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • State License or Central License, depending on the scale of operations.
     • Small to medium-sized restaurants typically require a State License.
     • Large restaurants or those with multiple outlets, or chains operating across multiple states, may require a Central License.

   Explanation: Restaurants and cafés are required to obtain an FSSAI license to ensure the food they serve is safe, hygienic, and of high quality. The FSSAI license assures customers that the establishment adheres to food safety norms and is compliant with regulations regarding food handling, storage, and preparation.

2. Food Manufacturing Units (Processing, Packing, and Labeling)

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • Central License for large manufacturers.
   • State License for medium-scale manufacturers.
   • Basic Registration for small-scale manufacturers.

   Explanation: Food manufacturing establishments, including food processing, packaging, and labeling, must obtain an FSSAI license. The type of license required depends on the size of the operation, the turnover, and whether the food is exported or imported. FSSAI ensures that these establishments follow safety procedures and that the food products they produce meet national safety standards.

3. Food Vendors (Street Food, Stalls, Food Trucks)

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • Basic Registration for small vendors.
   • State License may be required for larger or mobile food vendors with high turnover.

   Explanation: Street food vendors, food trucks, and small food stalls are also required to be licensed under FSSAI. Small vendors may need to apply for a Basic Registration, while larger operations with multiple locations or higher turnover must apply for a State License. These licenses ensure that vendors maintain hygiene and adhere to food safety regulations, safeguarding consumer health.

4. Catering Services

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • State License or Central License, depending on the scale and nature of the business.

   Explanation: Catering services that provide food to events or prepare food for bulk consumption are required to have an FSSAI license. Catering businesses that deal with large volumes of food and operate at a national level will require a Central License. Smaller catering services may only need a State License.

5. Online Food Delivery Services

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • Basic Registration for smaller businesses with low turnover.
   • State License or Central License for larger businesses or those operating across multiple regions.

   Explanation: Food delivery services, including those operating through online platforms or their own websites, must obtain an FSSAI license to ensure that the food they are distributing complies with food safety standards. Even though they might not have a physical restaurant or food preparation facility, these businesses still handle food and need to be compliant with food safety regulations.

6. Importers and Exporters of Food Products

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • Central License for food importers and exporters.

   Explanation: Food importers and exporters need an FSSAI license to ensure that the food products they are dealing with meet the country's safety standards. Since these businesses handle products that cross international borders, a Central License is required. The license ensures that the food products comply with both Indian standards and international trade regulations.

7. Packaged Food Businesses

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • State License or Central License, depending on the scale of operation.

   Explanation: Businesses involved in the packaging and selling of food products must obtain an FSSAI license. Packaged food businesses must ensure that the products are safe for consumption and are properly labeled according to FSSAI guidelines. Small packaged food businesses may require a State License, while large manufacturers will need a Central License.

8. Dairy Products Processing

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • State License or Central License, depending on the size of the dairy business.

   Explanation: Dairy product manufacturers, including those involved in the production of milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy items, must obtain an FSSAI license. Since dairy products are highly perishable, FSSAI regulations are stringent, and businesses must comply with health and hygiene standards to ensure consumer safety.

9. Food Retailers (Supermarkets, Grocery Stores)

   FSSAI License Requirement:
   • Basic Registration for small grocery stores.
   • State License for medium-sized or larger food retailers.

   Explanation: Food retailers, including supermarkets and grocery stores, must have an FSSAI license to ensure that they are selling safe, hygienic, and properly labeled food products. Retailers dealing with packaged or processed food, whether they are large supermarkets or small local shops, are required to obtain an appropriate license based on the size of their operations.

10. Health Food Products Manufacturers

    FSSAI License Requirement:
    • Central License for large health food product manufacturers.
    • State License for medium-scale manufacturers.

    Explanation: Health food product manufacturers, such as those producing organic food, gluten-free food, and dietary supplements, must ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations to guarantee the safety and quality of their products. Depending on the scale of their business, they must apply for a State License or a Central License.

11. Frozen Food Manufacturing

    FSSAI License Requirement:
    • State License or Central License, depending on the size of the business.

    Explanation: Frozen food manufacturing units must ensure that their products are safe for consumption after being stored and processed at low temperatures. These businesses are required to obtain an FSSAI license to comply with food safety and hygiene regulations. Larger manufacturers will need to apply for a Central License, while smaller ones may only require a State License.

12. Institutional Food Services (Hotels, Hospitals, Schools)

    FSSAI License Requirement:
    • State License or Central License, depending on the size of the institution.

    Explanation: Hotels, hospitals, schools, and other institutions that provide food services are required to obtain an FSSAI license. These establishments must follow strict food safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Larger institutions and those operating nationally need a Central License, while smaller institutions may only require a State License.