The emerging growth of the food business sector improved the Indian economic growth. Meanwhile, the connection of Indian citizens with food is much deeper, pointing towards these regional variations and historical influences. In the digital era, the food business took a new turning point. In addition, the home-based food business further transformed and enhanced its marketability.
Well, as per the FSSAI guidelines, whether you are operating an indoor or outdoor food business, you are required to register with FSSAI for food certification. All home-based food operators must connect with the FSSAI to work legally in India. This blog will outline the principles of FSSAI food registration and what procedure can be followed to operate a home-based food business in India.
Who needs to Register for an FSSAI Food Certificate?
In India, the statutory authority, the Food Safety and Standards Authority, is responsible for monitoring food businesses. Meanwhile, the authority was established on September 5, 2008, to focus on the food quality grades. The major aim is to establish the FSSAI authority to prevent consumers from consuming bad-quality food that can cause illness or serious infection. Well, under the Food and Standards Act, 2006, the food business operators who are monitoring the activities of food manufacturing, storing, distribution, and transporting need to obtain the FSSAI registration or license.
As mentioned, anyone who is involved in the food business sector needs an FSSAI certificate. Including the individuals who are running the home-based food business, they are also eligible to register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. In the home-based food business, it is the direct connection of suppliers with consumers. While in this procedure, the Indian administration, which regulates the food sector, enters as a third party to ensure the quality of the substance.
An FSSAI License is Mandatory for Home-Based Food Operators
The guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, already outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, state that every FBO that operates manufacturing or importation, including home service, must obtain the food FSSAI certification. Yes, for the home food service to operate, the requirement of registration or a license is compulsory.
However, the type of certificate depends on the scale and the nature of the home food service business. Here is a more detailed explanation of why food registration is crucial for home-based food businesses:
Build customer confidence
The FSSAI food license is responsible for generating a trustworthy and transparent reputation for the food business, encouraging the building of trust among consumers. The transparent image of the food service attracts the attention of customers.
Quality and Safety
With a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India certificate, make sure that the FBO follows the introduced safety standards by the authority. The assurance of food safety decreases the risk of illness and contamination. While the home food service operator can enhance their growth by focusing on food quality.
Protect legal risks
Operating a home food business without a valid certification can lead to serious legal challenges. Furthermore, the business can suffer from potential penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Market entry
To expand the food market business, the FBO can list its business on food delivery platforms. However, the various food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy ask businesses to submit an FSSAI food certificate. The platform requires food licensing that ensures the business follows regulatory compliance.
economic support
To obtain the government loan, the FSSAI certificate streamlines the procedure. The certificate creates a trust between the bank and the FBO and helps to receive a loan for financial support.
Also Read…Consequences of Operating on Zomato Without a Valid FSSAI License
What are the Types of Food Certificates in India?
- FSSAI Registration: The home-based food business operators who are pioneering the business on a very small scale are eligible to register for basic registration. The home food service has less than Rs 12 lakh annual turnover. required to obtain an FSSAI registration certificate.
- State License: The business with an annual turnover between Rs 12 lakhs and Rs 20 crore needs to register for a license. The relevant food safety authority issues the state food license.
- Central License: The authority of food safety and standards provides the central food license to those FBOs whose annual turnover exceeds Rs 20 crore. The central license is necessary for businesses that are working on a bulk level, like food product importation and exportation.
Required documents for a home food service registration
For the registration of a home food business, the FBO needs to provide the necessary documentation that involves the personal and business identity proof, the chart of business set-up, and other important certificates. Without the necessary documents, the business can’t register with FSSAI and operate legally. Here is the list of required documents:
- Personal identity proof (Pan Card, Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or passport)
- The details of the business address include the rental bill, agreement, etc.
- A complete flow-up chart of food items or a menu
- The certificate that ensures the turnover
- Obtain the No Objection Certificate either from the municipality or the panchayat
What is the home-based food registration procedure?
- Depending on the business scale and turnover, ensure the type of license/registration needed.
- To decrease the challenges of registration and high fees by appointing an agent or food license consultant.
- Gather the mandatory documents that meet the requirements of food and safety standards.
- Either complete the registration procedure online or offline. To register online, visit the FSSAI official website. For offline, the application form was provided by the local food safety officer.
- After the online portal visit, fill out the food application and submit the required documents.
- The official reviews the application to check the documents. If needed, the inspection officers inspect the premises.
What is the limit period of a registered food certificate?
To operate a home-based food business for the long term, the FBO needs to renew its FSSAI registration/license. The certificate is valid for one to five years under the Food and Safety Standards Act. The food operators are required to follow the FSSAI license renewal procedure. Well, as mentioned, the FBO decides the validity of the certificate (ranging between 1 to 5 years). For the renewal of a food license, it is necessary to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the license/registration expires.
Operating the home service business without renewal of the certificate can lead to legal penalties, including a late fee charge. For the registration for food license renewal, the authority charges an extra fee (Rs 100 per day late). Somehow, the FBO didn’t renew their food certificate within a certain period; their certificate can cease or be blocked from all food delivery platforms.
Also check…(How FSSAI Regulations Are Shaping the Future of Street Food Vending)
Conclusion
The home-based food business can enhance its food marketability by obtaining the FSSAI certificate. The FBOs can register online or offline for the certificate. With the continued renewal of the license/registration, they can operate the business without any challenges.
FAQ | Eliminate the Confusion of Home-Based Food Business Registration
How can I check my FSSAI license expiry date?
Visit the FoSCoS FSSAI portal and enter the 14-digit food license number. The details will display on the screen.
Do I need a certificate to operate a home food service?
Yes, under the Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, home-based businesses need to register for an FSSAI license/registration.
How much do I pay for FSSAI renewal?
For the central FSSAI renewal, the FBO needs to pay Rs 7500, while for registration renewal, the cost is Rs/- 100.