FSSAI stands for Food Safety & Standards Authority. Restaurants require an FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchens to verify that the food standards in their cloud kitchens match the Indian authority's criteria. It also functions as an assurance to the clients that the food is healthy and safe to eat. Regardless of the type of restaurant or where it is situated, vendors must acquire an FSSAI license.

An Overview of FSSAI Registration

The most crucial factor for a company operator dealing with prepared meals from home kitchens is an FSSAI food safety license or registration. The FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen ensures that the goods are clean and secure for customers. To register with online food delivery platforms, any food industry operator, including individuals who cook food from home kitchens, caterers, or restaurants, must have a current FSSAI food safety license or registration. According to the Indian food safety authorities, this is a necessity.

What is Cloud Kitchens?

A cloud kitchen is a game-changing culinary service. It is a commercial kitchen that solely prepares meals for takeaway or delivery. It is also known as a ghost or a dark kitchen. You order meals using a restaurant's or food aggregator's app or website; your order is subsequently produced in a ghost kitchen and delivered right to your door.

Why Cloud Kitchens or Ghost Kitchens?

The reasons for choosing cloud kitchens or ghost kitchens are-

Low investment: The brick-and-mortar restaurants require a nice interior, atmosphere, tables, and chairs, as well as a modest crew. None of these is required for cloud kitchens.

Consumer behaviour has shifted: Everything has gone online since the epidemic began. This 'in-house era' has helped consumers feel more at ease ordering food from their homes rather than going to a real restaurant.

No special venue is required: There is no need to be concerned about parking or a visually appealing place. However, you must maintain your kitchen clean. And you should pick a location depending on the demographics you want to attract and the type of cuisine you want to offer.

Importance of FSSAI Registration for Cloud Kitchen

The importance of FSSAI Registration for Cloud Kitchen in India is-

• The FSSAI License guarantees the restaurant's food quality.
• The FSSAI License protects the cloud kitchen from legal issues.
• The FSSAI branding on menus and brochures strengthens the cloud kitchen company's legitimacy and increases consumer trust in the brand.
• It promotes corporate growth and the standardisation of cloud kitchen operations.

Types of FSSAI Licenses A Business Can Opt For

The types of FSSAI Licenses a business can opt for are-

• Small enterprises or startups with yearly revenues of less than Rs.12 lakhs can apply for a basic FSSAI Food safety license.
• Businesses having yearly revenues ranging from Rs.12 lakhs to Rs.20 crores are eligible to apply for an FSSAI state license.
• Businesses with more than 20 crores in annual revenue can apply for an FSSAI central license.

Anyone wishing to enter the internet food industry must obtain an FSSAI license for Cloud Kitchen. This includes not only individuals who prepare food but also those who handle it at various stages before it reaches the client, such as processing, raw materials, Manufacturing, Canteen packaging, Mess, and distribution, as well as the agencies with the authorisation to sell it.

Documents Needed for FSSAI Registration for Cloud Kitchen

The following documents are needed for basic FSSAI license registration for Cloud Kitchen.

• Address verification for an authorised individual
• Photograph in passport size
• The company's name and address
• Form of FSSAI Declaration
• Company name and contact information

The following papers are necessary to get state registration of Cloud Kitchen's FSSAI License:

• Rental Agreement for Commercial Real Estate.
• Identification Document (Aadhar Card, Driver's License, Passport, Voter ID) of the Person Concerned
• If applicable, government registration certificates (for example, a company incorporation certificate, firm registration certificate, partnership deed, GST registration number, pan card, shop and establishment registration certificate, or commercial License).
• A copy of the partnership deed, MOA & AOA must be submitted if the applicant is a private limited business or partnership firm.
• Any of the certifications listed below must be provided with the state licencing application ( Trade license, Shop and Establishment Registration, Panchayat License, Corporation License, Municipality License )
• Business Type
• Form of FSSAI Declaration

The following documents are required for the central FSSAI License registration for Cloud Kitchen:

• Rental Agreement for Commercial Real Estate.
• Affected Person's Identification Document (Aadhar Card, Driver's License, Passport, Voter ID)
• Government registration certificates (such as a company incorporation certificate, firm registration certificate, pan card, partnership deed, GST registration number, shop and establishment registration certificate, or trade License), if any.
• If the applicant is a private limited corporation or partnership business, they must send a copy of their MOA, AOA, or partnership deed.
• IE Code Certification (Import Export Code).
• Authorisation letter on corporate letterhead from the corporation to the relevant individual confirming his permission to file an FSSAI application.
• Food categories that would wish to be manufactured.

Procedure to Acquire FSSAI License Registration for Cloud Kitchen

• To begin, the Applicant must go to website. The first stage in the application procedure is determining if you are eligible for a Central or State License. Each location's address must be provided separately, and its eligibility must be assessed independently.
• When the website loads, click "Sign-up" to apply for the available License. On the registration form, include your contact information. Check to see whether the Applicant has a functional phone number or email address.
• For registration, create a unique username and enter your password. After completing the form, click Register to complete the sign-up procedure.
• The Applicant will receive an SMS and email confirmation of their successful sign-up when the account is activated.
• Log in to your account and fill out the online FSSAI Registration Application Form.
• After completing the online application, print it before clicking the "Submit" button.
• Take note of the reference number that displays on the screen once you apply. A reference number is required to track the development of an application for registration or licencing.
• Assume the Applicant wants their application to be considered. In such a scenario, they must send a paper copy of the completed online application form to the regional or state office within 15 days of submitting it online.

Some Important Compliances

Other qualifications are required to run your firm properly. For example, legal compliance is essential for your food business's reputation. Therefore, you also need to earn the following certifications:

• Registration for GST
• Fire Insurance Certificate
• Municipal Licenses for well-being are traded.

How to Get FSSAI Certification for Cloud Kitchen

FSSAI, the leading organisation, regulates the food business to ensure the safety of the country's population's health. It requires all Food Business Operators (FBOs), including cloud kitchens, to register and be Licensed.

You must select one of the below-mentioned options based on your annual revenue:

• FSSAI registration is required for businesses with less than 12 lakh annual revenue. It would set you back Rs.100 each year.
• State License for businesses with yearly revenues ranging from 12 lakh to 20 crores. The fees would be Rs.2,000 each year.
• Central License for businesses having a yearly revenue of more than 20 crores. You will be charged Rs.7500 every year.

Conclusion

Before beginning any new food business operations in India, FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen is necessary. Cloud kitchens are relatively new to the restaurant sector but are swiftly becoming one of the most successful and high-flying food company concepts. However, these establishments are quite basic. Restaurants are abandoning physical storefronts and outlets to maintain a kitchen that serves meals to consumers through the phone or the internet.