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16 Jun, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 19 Feb 2021
Updated On 02 May 2025
Category FSSAI
Starting a catering business in India can be highly rewarding due to the growing demand for food services at events, weddings, and corporate functions. However, it is crucial to meet legal requirements, with one of the key steps being obtaining an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license. This certification grants that the food served is safe, hygienic, and meets quality standards that give customers peace of mind.
In this blog, you will learn everything about FSSAI License Registration for catering services in India.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government body formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It functions under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its central office is located in New Delhi, the capital. FSSAI oversees food safety in India. It sets and monitors national food standards. It grants that food products are safe, hygienic, and of high quality for human consumption.
FSSAI registration is essential for catering businesses in India. It helps caterers follow the country’s food safety laws and stay legally compliant. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires all food business operators, including those running catering services, to register or get a license before starting operations.
Here are the detailed key reasons:
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, every food business operator must get a valid license or registration before starting their business. This rule also applies to catering services, as they prepare, process, and distribute food. Running a catering business without an FSSAI license is illegal and can lead to strict penalties under Section 55 of the Act, including heavy fines and legal action.
Displaying a valid FSSAI license number on-premises and invoices helps build customer trust. It clearly shows that the catering service follows all the required food safety and hygiene rules. This reassures clients about the quality, cleanliness, and safety of the food being served to them.
FSSAI registration helps catering services meet the hygiene and safety rules listed in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. These rules cover important areas like kitchen design, proper maintenance, cleanliness, smooth operations, and so on. This confirms that the food is prepared and served in a safe and healthy environment.
Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines, suspension, or cancellation of the license. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure adherence to the standards. Any violations can result in legal action against the catering service.
Having a valid FSSAI license is important for catering businesses looking to grow, especially when dealing with large-scale events, corporate orders, government projects, and so on. It builds trust and shows credibility along with reliability. It also helps catering services to facilitate business growth and opportunities.
Registered catering services have access to training programs and resources provided by FSSAI, such as the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) initiative. These programs aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of food handlers. It ensures better compliance with food safety norms.
Catering services in India are mandated to obtain an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license or registration based on their annual turnover and operational scale. Depending on the spread of the business, they have to register FSSAI basic, state or central license.
There are three types of FSSAI Licenses for catering services:
Basic FSSAI registration is meant for small catering businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs. The fee is Rs. 100 per year. It applies to home-based caterers, small event caterers, local tiffin services, etc. Applicants must submit Form A and follow basic hygiene and safety rules outlined in Schedule 4, Part I of the FSSAI regulations.
A state FSSAI license is required for medium-sized catering businesses earning between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores annually. The fee for this license is Rs. 2,000 per year. It is suitable for caterers handling corporate events, weddings, or canteens within one state. Applicants must fill out Form B and strictly follow the hygiene and safety standards listed in Schedule 4, Part II of the FSSAI regulations.
Catering services with annual revenues over Rs. 20 crores or those operating in multiple states require the Central FSSAI license for compliance and regulation. The yearly fee for this license is Rs. 7,500. It applies to national catering chains, airline caterers, and those serving central government institutions. Applicants must submit Form B and strictly follow the detailed safety and hygiene guidelines given in Schedule 4, Part II of the FSSAI regulations.
The required documents vary based on the type of license including Basic Registration, State License, or Central License.
Here is the list of documents required to register an FSSAI License Registration for catering services:
Here is the list of documents required for Basic FSSAI Registration:
Registering for an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is a mandatory requirement for catering services operating in India. The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal simplifies the entire registration process.
Here is a step-by-step process for FSSAI License Registration for catering services in India:
Step 1: Access the FoSCoS Portal
Begin by visiting the official FoSCoS portal. This platform facilitates the application process for new licenses, renewals, modifications, and other related services.
Step 2: Determine Eligibility and Select License Type
You must identify the appropriate license category based on your business’s annual turnover and operational scale including Basic registration, state license, or central license. Then, click on the "Apply for License/Registration" option on the FoSCoS portal and choose the appropriate license type.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
You must fill out and complete the application form carefully by providing accurate information. Use Form A for Basic Registration and Form B for State or Central Licenses. You should fill out all required fields, such as business details, contact information, and the types of food products you handle.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
You must collect all the required documents and upload them clearly on the official portal to support your FSSAI license application.
Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fee
Pay the required applicable license fee based on your license type. You can easily pay online on the FoSCoS portal using various payment methods.
Step 6: Submit the Application
After completing the form and uploading documents, you can submit your application online. After payment, you will receive a receipt with a 17-digit reference number. This number is important as it helps you track the status of your application easily.
Step 7: Track Application Status
Use the provided reference number to check your application status directly on the FoSCoS website. The status will indicate whether the application is under review, approved, or requires additional information for further processing.
Step 8: Inspection and License Issuance
The Licensing Authority may inspect the premises for State and Central Licenses to verify compliance with food safety standards. If the application satisfies all necessary requirements, the license will be granted within 60 days from the application date. This process grants that your business meets the required regulations.
Here are the key compliance requirements and regulations that catering businesses must follow:
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, catering services are required to obtain an appropriate FSSAI license based on their annual turnover and operational scale. This license serves as a legal authorization to operate and is a prerequisite for conducting food-related business activities.
Catering services must establish and maintain a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that aligns with the guidelines provided by FSSAI. This includes the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) as outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Catering businesses are encouraged to implement the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system to identify and manage potential hazards in the food production process. While not mandatory, the adoption of HACCP is strongly recommended to enhance food safety and quality.
Personnel involved in food handling and preparation must undergo training in food safety and hygiene practices. FSSAI offers the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program. This program provides both basic and advanced level training tailored for the catering sector.
Catering services are required to enforce strict personal hygiene standards among their staff. This includes regular handwashing, wearing clean uniforms, and maintaining overall cleanliness to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
Effective pest control is essential in catering establishments to prevent contamination. Businesses must implement regular pest control measures and maintain records to demonstrate compliance with food safety standards.
Catering services must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which mandate the provision of essential information on food items. This includes details such as ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, and expiry dates to inform and protect consumers.
FSSAI regularly inspects catering businesses to check if they are following food safety rules. Inspectors use a checklist based on Schedule 4 to review different areas of food safety practices and hygiene. These checks help maintain high standards in food handling and preparation.
Catering businesses can join the Hygiene Rating Scheme launched by FSSAI. This program checks and displays the hygiene levels of food outlets. Participation in this scheme is voluntary, a good hygiene rating can boost customer trust and make the business appear more reliable and professional.
Some areas of the catering industry, like airlines and railways, must follow extra guidelines set by FSSAI. For example, flight kitchens and in-flight food providers need to meet special rules to maintain food safety during air travel. It confirms passengers receive safe, hygienic, and good-quality meals throughout their journey.
Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in significant penalties for catering services in India. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the following penalties apply:
These penalties are outlined in Sections 50 to 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Here are the key benefits of FSSAI Registration for catering services:
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, an FSSAI license is required. Displaying the 14-digit license number on food packaging and marketing materials shows that the business meets national food safety standards. This helps build customer trust and improve the company’s reputation.
A valid FSSAI license is often a requirement for catering services to be eligible for government tenders and contracts. This certification helps unlock valuable opportunities in sectors like education, healthcare, and public events. This provides businesses with access to larger and more profitable markets.
The FSSAI license mandates the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), including adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP). This grants consistent food quality and minimizes health risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
Displaying the FSSAI logo and license number on food items signals to customers that the food is safe and meets quality standards. This openness helps build trust and encourages consumer confidence. This helps build customer trust, encouraging loyalty and increasing repeat business.
The FSSAI registration process provides a structured framework for catering businesses and promotes organized operations. It includes maintaining proper records and implementing standard operating procedures. This grants consistent quality control that leads to enhanced operational efficiency.
Registered catering services can avail themselves of the Food Safety Mitra (FSM) scheme, which offers assistance in complying with food safety regulations. FSMs provide support in areas such as documentation, training, and audits. It facilitates smooth operations for food businesses.
An FSSAI license differentiates a catering service from competitors who may not be licensed. It serves as a marketing tool, especially when targeting health-conscious consumers or premium clients who prioritize food safety and quality standards.
Compliance with FSSAI regulations helps mitigate legal risks associated with food safety violations. In case of disputes or health-related issues, having an FSSAI license demonstrates due diligence and adherence to prescribed safety norms that potentially reduce liability.
An FSSAI license facilitates business growth by enabling catering services to expand their operations across state and national borders. It simplifies the process of obtaining additional licenses or registrations required for multi-location operations.
FSSAI provides various training programs and resources to help food businesses stay updated with the latest food safety standards and practices. Registered catering services can benefit from these educational opportunities. This enhances their staff's skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Obtaining an FSSAI license for catering service is a legal requirement and an essential step in building customer trust and maintaining the safety and quality of the food. Whether you are a small local caterer or a large catering service provider, adhering to food safety norms set by FSSAI is crucial for long-term success and growth. By following the registration process and maintaining compliance with food safety guidelines, you can ensure that your catering business thrives and delivers high-quality and safe food to your customers.
If you have any queries regarding FSSAI license registration, contact Online Legal India to get assistance.
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