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The Food Business Operator (FBO) is required to secure a food license or FSSAI registration before initiating operations. FSSAI issues licenses to FBOs, ensuring the safety of the food products they offer for consumption.
Every FBO is allocated a unique 14-digit license number. This, along with the FSSAI logo, must be prominently displayed on the food product packaging. The 14-digit license number displayed on the product packaging or at the premises serves as a means to verify the status and validity of the FSSAI license.
Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates as a legal monitor, and regulates every stage of the food journey in India, from production and storage to distribution, trade, and even import. They ensure public health by setting and enforcing strict food safety standards.
FSSAI plays a crucial role in ensuring that food items meet safety and hygiene standards for human consumption. Furthermore, it protects consumers from contamination, inferior quality, and deceptive assertions. FSSAI also spreads awareness and educates people about food safety and nutritional aspects.
In India, food businesses can obtain one of three FSSAI certifications: registration, state license, or central license. The eligibility for each certification is determined by factors such as yearly revenue, production volume, and the type of food operation. The subsequent table outlines the eligibility criteria for each certification:
| Type of Certification | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Registration | Food enterprises with yearly revenue of up to Rs. 12 lakhs or small-scale food producers who manufacture up to 100 kg/liters of food daily. |
| State License | Food enterprises with a yearly revenue exceeding Rs. 12 lakhs but not exceeding Rs. 20 crores or food producers manufacturing over 100 kg/liters but less than 2 metric tonnes of food daily. |
| Central License | Food enterprises with a yearly revenue surpassing Rs. 20 crores or food producers manufacturing over 2 metric tonnes of food daily, or businesses operating across multiple states or engaged in the import or export of food items. |
Obtaining an FSSAI license number serves to authenticate the food business operator and the products they handle. Additionally, it aids in tracking the origin and destination of food items in the event of any food safety concerns or grievances.
The benefits of having an FSSAI license number are:
Every Food Business Operator (FBO) is mandated to prominently lay out their FSSAI license number, obtained upon initial licensing, both on their products and within their establishment. The FSSAI license remains valid for a period of up to five years. Upon its expiration, renewal becomes compulsory, accompanied by the submission of requisite documentation.
The FSSAI license number, standardized for all food businesses, is comprised of 14 numerical digits. Variations in the FSSAI registration numbers are contingent upon the magnitude of the food business's operations.
The 14-digit FSSAI license number is segmented into five distinct sections for clarity:
State Code (Digits 1-2): The inaugural digit of the FSSAI number discerns the licensing status of the food enterprise.
Registration Number (Digits 3-7): The subsequent two digits (2nd and 3rd) provide insights into the specific State where the Food Business is officially registered.
Product Category (Digits 8-9): The fourth and fifth digits correspond to the specific year of the FSSAI license issuance.
Manufacturing Date (Digits 10-13): The consecutive three digits (6th to 8th) signify the total count of enrolled master data.
Check Digit (Digit 14): The concluding six digits (9th to 14th) of the FSSAI number uniquely identify the License Number allocated to the Food Business Operator (FBO).
To verify the authenticity and specifics of an FBO's FSSAI license number online, follow these steps:
FBOs are required to prominently feature the 14-digit FSSAI license number on their packaged goods. Additionally, FSSAI mandates the allocation of its logo to FBOs, which must be affixed on all packaged food items. The typography and hue of both the FSSAI logo and license number should sharply contrast with the background of the product packaging to ensure clear visibility.
When importing products into India, the FSSAI license number serves as a requisite document to present to the relevant authorities. The specifications for the dimensions of the characters and numerals align with the stipulations outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation of 2011.
The presence of the FSSAI logo and license number on food items signifies the FBO's adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. FBOS must affix the license number at the primary location of each of their establishments. Furthermore, FBOs are obligated to exhibit Food Safety Display Boards at their establishments, detailing the license number and distinct color codes corresponding to various sectors.
FBOs are expected to showcase the FSSAI logo and license number on their products for the entire duration of their license's validity, which spans a maximum of five years. Before the expiration of their FSSAI license, FBOs should initiate the renewal process at least 180 days in advance and continue to display the logo and license number post-renewal.
For financial transactions and documentation purposes, all food businesses must incorporate the FSSAI license number on purchase invoices, cash receipts, bills, and cash memos. However, an exception exists for the GST E-way bills and other automated government documents where manual inclusion of the FSSAI license number is not mandatory.
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The 14-digit FSSAI license number should be prominently featured on packaged goods. Additionally, the FSSAI logo must be affixed on all packaged food items.
The typography and hue of both the FSSAI logo and license number should contrast sharply with the product packaging background to ensure visibility. This is in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation of 2011.
FBOs are obligated to renew their license before its expiration. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences and may impact the trustworthiness of the FBO in the marketplace.
No, each FBO is issued a unique FSSAI license number that remains consistent across all its establishments and products.
