Navigating the FSSAI Licensing for Hotels and Restaurants Maze: A Step-by-Step Guide

The FSSAI License: What Is It?

FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. You have to register with the FSSAI or apply for a food license before starting a food business. All food manufacturers, merchants, and restaurants must obtain a 14-digit license or registration number and print it on all food packaging.

A novel move by the government is the implementation of a food licensing and registration system, which guarantees that all products undergo quality testing in an effort to lower the quantity of tainted or inferior items and raise producer accountability.

Several sorts of FSSAI food licenses

Getting a food license is a requirement for everyone who sources, produces, distributes, processes, packs, or stores food. All food-related firms must select FSSAI food licenses depending on their eligibility and complete their registration in order to avoid penalties and legal action from the government. Businesses operating in the food industry must apply for several FSSAI food licenses, depending on their turnover, size, and type of company. Due to the several FSSAI licensing categories, most businesses frequently do not know what sorts of food licenses they are eligible for. The three categories of licenses, which vary based on the volume of business activity, are listed below along with their corresponding conditions.

There are three types of FSSAI food permits available:

• FSSAI Basic registration: To register as a hotel, food service establishments with annual revenue up to 12 LPA must have FSSAI Basic companies.
• FSSAI State license: Hotels generating between 12 LPA and 20 crores in annual revenue must obtain an FSSAI State license.
• FSSAI Central license: Hotels operating in multiple states or generating more than 20 crores in annual revenue must obtain a Central FSSAI License from the appropriate authorities.

Also Read: Navigating the FSSAI Licensing for Hotels and Restaurants Maze

Why Is it Important to Register with the FSSAI?

There are several reasons why you ought to register with the FSSAI, such as:

1. In addition to regulatory requirements, the FSSAI License ensures the calibre of the food served at your restaurant.
2. Most consumers prefer to eat only the highest quality food that has been approved for consumption in this era of heightened consumer awareness. When the FSSAI symbol appears on menus and booklets, it boosts consumer trust in your company and the legitimacy of your restaurant enterprise.
3. It makes it easier for your business to expand and for the kitchen operations in your restaurant to become standardized. An FSSAI food license is granted only to eateries that meet the standards outlined in the organization’s back-end design criteria. These specifications act as a sort of stencil to assist in designing a secure and useful space-efficient structure. Consequently, you may create design consistency in your kitchen and other back-end spaces across all of your branches by following these guidelines.

How Can you Apply for an FSSAI License for your Hotel and Restaurant?

Follow these steps to register your restaurant or food business with the FSSAI:

Step 1: Go to http://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in or click this link. Finding out if you are eligible to apply for a state or central license is the first step in the application process. You have to enter the address and check the eligibility of each place separately.

Note: If your restaurant brings in up to 20 crores in income, you should apply for a state license; if not, you should apply for a central license.

Step 2: When the page loads, select “Sign-up” to take advantage of the offered license. Provide your contact information in the sign-up form. Make sure your email account or phone number is active.

Step 3: Log in to the register using a unique username and password. Once the form is filled out, click Register to complete the sign-up process.

Step 4: Upon activation of your account, you will get an email and SMS verifying the success of your signup.

Important Tip: Make sure you apply online within the allotted 30 days, as this user ID will be deleted if it is not utilized.

Step 5: Access your account and finish the online FSSAI Registration Application Form.(https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in/index.aspx) (Make that the application has all the required supporting paperwork. Furthermore, make sure to complete the application in one sitting, since it will be placed on the unfinished tab otherwise. The necessary documents needed for FSSAI registration are shown below.

Step 6: Before selecting “Submit,” print the completed online application.

Step 7: After submitting an application, observe the reference number that shows on the screen. You need the reference number in order to track the progress of your registration or license application.

Step 8: Within 15 days after the online submission date, submit a printout of the completed online application form to the state or regional body, together with any supporting evidence, for your application to be considered.

Also Read: Demystifying FSSAI: Registration vs. License for Your Food Business

Benefits of Obtaining an FSSAI License

Obtaining a food safety and standards permit might be advantageous for a food operator for several reasons. Consequently, the following are some advantages for food enterprises of holding an FSSAI license:

1 FSSAI is well-known and contributes to a favourable consumer opinion of the company or enterprise.

2 The FSSAI license provides a framework for food businesses to produce high-quality products that either meet or surpass international food standards.

3 It improves the standing of the business.

4 For those who work for food exporting companies, this is a must.

5 The FSSAI license is a big step forward for the company; it affects the production and dependability of the enterprise, which promotes growth.

6 Companies that register with the FSSAI also follow important guidelines on sanitation and hygiene. From the production of food products to their distribution and ultimate sale, it streamlines every stage of the procedure.

Which Crucial Documents Are Needed for FSSAI Registration?

A detailed summary of the documentation needed to get your restaurant & hotel a food license is provided below:

1. Form properly filled out and signed by the proprietor (owner of the restaurant).
2. Identification Documentation
3. Address Verification from Public Authority
4. List of prominent investors and directors together with identification
5. Authentic Contact Information and Email Address
6. Food Safety Management plan (These paperwork can be acquired from the internet or obtained from the closest notary.)
7. Evidence of premise possession (rent agreement, electricity bill, sale deed, etc.)
8. NOCs from regional organisations or municipal corporations.
9. Design for Kitchen Layout
10. An ISI-approved water testing report for the site
11. Partnership Deed or Affidavit of Proprietorship (if the business is conducted out of another location or is a partnership firm)
12. Category List of Foods
13. kinds of gear that will be employed.
14. Certificates of Health for Workers

The cost of an FSSAI license

When submitting the FSSAI registration form, the applicant or FBO must pay the costs. The following are the several registration kinds for which there is an FSSAI registration fee:

• FSSAI Basic Registration – Fee of Rs.100
• FSSAI State License – Fee between Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000 (Depends on the type of business carried out)

FSSAI Central License – Fee of Rs.7,500