FSSAI (Food Safety Standard Authority of India) is a well-known government-backed organisation that oversees the Indian food industry. It has detailed several standards and procedures to promote food safety across the country. Every food business in India is required to get a suitable food license to operate. According to the FSS Act of 2006, operating without a valid food license is a serious offence for FBOs. The FSSAI undertakes all of its operations in accordance with the Act and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

FSSAI State License

If the yearly revenue of the food company is more significant than Rs. 12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 crores, a State FSSAI license is required.

Manufacturing units with a capacity of up to 2 MT per day, dairy units with a capacity of up to 50000 litres per day, 3-star hotels and above, repacking and relabeling units, club canteens, and all catering businesses, regardless of their turnover, must apply for a state license. This license has a maximum term of 5 years and a minimum tenure of 1 year.

When the revenue is less than 20 crores, and the region of operation is confined to the state, Form B must be filed for the state license.

FSSAI State License Importance

The FSSAI license is critical for food businesses for the following reasons:

• The fines exceed the cost of getting a Food License. In addition, it serves as a deterrent to judicial processes and penalties.
• Because the license is received after the food quality is verified, you may be confident that your food is being manufactured correctly.
• According to the Food Safety Standards Act, all FBOs that are involved in the food sector must get a Food License.
• The FSSAI license serves as proof that your food is safe for consumption by your consumers.
• The license holder can utilise the FSSAI emblem on the menu card and other promotional business materials to gain an advantage over other unregistered FBOs.

Benefits of FSSAI State License

The benefits of an FSSAI State License are as follows:

• Increasing brand exposure and recognition among consumers and the general public.
• The license holder may use the FSSAI Logo on menu cards and other promotional materials, which aids in customer-building.
• Food businesses with an FSSAI license have a competitive edge over their competitors in the same market.
• It protects the health and hygiene of food safety, giving your company credibility. It will aid in the acquisition of consumers, investors, and partners, among other things.
• It gives legal advantages to food industry operators. Penalties are higher than the expense of acquiring the license; hence legal consequences are avoided.

Eligibility for FSSAI State License

The eligibility that has to be met for FSSAI State License-

• A dairy unit processes 500 to 50000 litres of milk daily, or less than 2500 MT of dairy sold yearly.
• Units involved in the processing or production of vegetable oil with a daily capacity of up to 2 MT.
• Slaughtering units with a capacity of more than 2 and up to 50 for big animals, more than 10 and up to 150 for small animals, and more than 50 and up to 1000 for poultry birds daily.
• Food processing enterprise with a capacity of up to 500 kg per day or 150 MT per year.
• The wholesale food processing unit with a revenue of up to INR 30 crores.
• Food retail or distribution firm with a turnover of up to INR 20 crores.
• Restaurants with an income of up to Rs. 20 crores.
• Hotels with a revenue of up to Rs. 20 crores.

Documents Required

The documents that are required for the concerned FSSAI license are-

• FSSAI Form B, which is completely filled and signed.
• A partnership deed or an affidavit of a proprietorship firm.
• Plan of the processing unit showing all dimensions and operation-specific space allocation.
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors, including address, contact information, and picture ID.
• Name and description of the equipment and machinery to be utilised, as well as the quantity and installed capacity.
• Food categories to be manufactured.
• A manufacturer's authority letter.
• LLP Contract (if applicable).
• Possession of the premises.
• NOC and a copy of the manufacturer's license.
• Copies of certificates received under the Cooperative Act of 1861 or the Multistate Cooperative Act of 2002.
• Plan or certificate for a food safety management system.
• Form IX.
• Certificate issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Certificate of incorporation and Memorandum of Association (if applicable).
• A letter of authorisation from the municipality or a local entity.
• Documentation to support verification of turnover and transportation.
• Form of declaration.
• Water analysis report for usage in the process.

FSSAI State License Registration Process

The FSSAI State License registration process involves the following steps-

Step 1: Prepare the above-mentioned documents and file the application using FSSAI Form B.

Step 2: Submit the form to the licencing authority using the FOSCOS website. The filing procedure concludes with the payment of regular fees.

Step 3: An in-depth examination of the application and documents by FSSAI personnel.

Step 4: If necessary, FSSAI authorities will perform an on-site inspection to evaluate the degree of compliance at the premises.

Step 5: The licensing authority grants the State FSSAI License (Note: If the application is incompatible, the licencing authority may withdraw it).

Step 6: The business owner may begin operations after obtaining the license.

Penalties for Non-Compliances

In general, the penalties for FBOs in India are relatively high, and noncompliance will result in serious repercussions.

FSSAI officers have the authority to perform a surprise audit of a company site without telling the owner. If they discover any gaps in compliance management, the responsible organisation will incur fines under the FSS Act of 2006.

FSSAI State License Government Fee

The Government fee structure for the FSSAI State license is as follows-