A Brief Overview of FSSAI Registration for Retailers

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India) is the supreme authority responsible for the safety and hygiene of food articles. This authority regulates and supervises the food business. Further, it is mandatory for all food businesses to take FSSAI Registration before starting their business. As the safety of the consumer is important, hence, FSSAI has set certain standards. After the FSSAI Registration for retailers, the trust of the consumer also develops in the products. It defines its quality and a consumer can use it without any doubt.

Why FSSAI registration for retailers is mandatory?

As all the business has manufacturing, processing, sales, and distribution of the food articles when the product will be distributed in the market by the retailer or the wholesaler has to obtain registration from FSSAI according to their annual turnover of the business. As when the business is registered in FSSAI they get 14 digit license or registration number which they have to print on the food packages. This registration process aims to create more answerable to the operator for maintaining the standard of the food products.

Requirement of FSSAI registration for retailers

This is the basic license that is provided to the small business operators of food articles. This category covers the various businesses:

• When the annual turnover is not more than 12 lakh rupees.
• A petty retailer who is dealing in food articles.
• The person how sells and manufactures any food article by himself.
• The sale of food by the stallholder.
• Any person who distributes food in any gatherings.
• Cotton industries or any small-scale industries dealing with the food articles.
• Any retailer who is dealing in the food articles has to get the basic registration for the business.

Types of FSSAI registration for Retailers

• Basic FSSAI Registration: The small-scale business operator whose annual turnover is up to 12 lakh are required to obtain the basic FSSAI registration. The registration of these types of businesses is valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. For example Temporary stallholders, retailers, and vendors.
• State FSSAI License: The business whose annual turnover is 12 lakh rupees and below 20 crore rupees has to get a license from the state authority to do business. If a business is in Delhi and it has to be operated within the boundaries of Delhi then it has to get registered in-state FSSAI authority only. Validity of State FSSAI License for minimum 1 year and maximum 5 years.
• Central FSSAI License: The business that wants to operate in more than one state and comes under Schedule 1 of FSS Regulation, 2011 then they have to get a license under Central FSSAI authority. Apart from this if the annual turnover is more than 20 crore then these businesses have to get an FSSAI license from the center.

Procedure for obtaining registration by Retailer

It’s mandatory for the business operator who is dealing in food articles to get the registration for the business. Moreover, it needs to meet the standards provided by FSSAI.

Before starting the registration process the business has to determine that in which category the business will operate. According to the annual turnover and which area they want to operate their business i.e., they have to take basic FSSAI License, State Food License, or Central Food License.

• The applicant has to submit FORM-A (application) to the food and safety department.
• The application which is submitted by the applicant can be accepted or rejected by the department within 7 days from the submission of the application. If the application is rejected by the department they have to provide a reason in writing to the applicant.
• If the application gets accepted by the department they will give the registration number. Further, they will also get a certificate with a photo of the applicant.
• The applicant will display his certificate of registration at the place of business.

Renewal of license or registration

As the registration or license is valid for the period of 1year or 5year, 30 days prior to the expiration of registration or licenses the applicant has to file an application for the renewal of the license or registration.

Consequence of non-compliance

The officer in charge of the food safety department has the power to inspect the business registered under FSSAI. It can review if the standards of the authority are adhering to. On the basis of compliance level the officer-in-charge mark the standards of the food article:

• Non-Compliance
• Compliance
• Partial Compliance
• Not Applicable/ Not Observed

If the officer in charge thinks that there is a scope for improvement, it will provide the notice of improvement to the business under section 32 of the FSSAI Act, 2006. Further, he can cancel the license or registration of the business. However, the business party has the power to appeal for the decision given by any authority against the notice or the cancellation.

Conclusion

FSSAI is the authority whose regulation is under the hands of the government of India. Hence, the citizen of the country would have faith in the authority. They would have the faith that there would be a proper investigation by the authority if they think the business is not meeting the standards which are provided by the authority and they have the power to cancel the registration or license of the business. So, it’s important for every business that is dealing in food articles to get registration under FSSAI before starting their business.