Everything About FSSAI Logo

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent government agency responsible for setting and enforcing food safety standards across the country. Established in 2008, FSSAI plays a crucial role in protecting consumers from foodborne illnesses and promoting public health.

What does FSSAI do?

• Setting food safety standards: FSSAI lays down regulations and guidelines for food manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling, and storage. These regulations cover everything from permissible levels of additives and contaminants to hygiene practices and packaging materials.
• Licensing and registration of food businesses: FSSAI issues licenses and registers food businesses, ensuring they comply with food safety regulations. Depending on the size and type of business, different categories of licenses are required.
• Monitoring and enforcement: FSSAI conducts regular inspections of food businesses to ensure adherence to food safety regulations. They also investigate complaints and take necessary action against violators.
• Promoting food safety awareness: FSSAI raises awareness about food safety through public education campaigns, training programs, and workshops. They also provide consumers with information on how to choose safe and healthy food products.

What are the guidelines for using the FSSAI logo on food packaging, labels, advertisements, etc.?

The FSSAI logo in India is more than just a symbol; it's a pledge to food safety and quality assurance. For all food business operators (FBOs), displaying this logo alongside their license number on food packaging, in a contrasting color for clear visibility, is mandatory. This simple act builds trust and informs consumers about the FBO's commitment to adhering to food safety regulations.

• Sharing the Responsibility of Food Safety
  The FSSAI recognizes the collective effort needed to ensure food safety. Therefore, government agencies, semi-government organizations, NGOs, private entities, and development partners can seek permission to use the FSSAI logo for events, publications, websites, and programs dedicated to food safety and nutrition awareness.
• Permission with Purpose
  FSSAI grants logo usage permission on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing initiatives that align with its mission. Factors like the event's nature, importance, organizer's profile, and potential impact on food safety awareness are considered. To further emphasize the partnership, the FSSAI logo should be prominently displayed on promotional materials and a dedicated speaking slot should be offered to an official FSSAI representative.
• Maintaining Integrity
  The FSSAI logo is a powerful symbol, and its misuse can undermine public trust in food safety standards. Using it for misleading, deceptive, or harmful purposes is strictly prohibited. FSSAI reserves the right to revoke permission and take legal action against unauthorized or inappropriate logo usage.

What are the benefits of using the FSSAI logo for food business operators and consumers?

Some of the benefits of using the FSSAI logo for FBOs and consumers are:

• Its presence builds instant trust, assuring you the product adheres to strict food safety and quality standards. No more deciphering cryptic ingredients or worrying about hidden nasties.
• The FSSAI actively monitors and inspects food businesses, preventing adulteration and substandard products through vigilant oversight. Every bite becomes a confident choice.
• The FSSAI encourages best practices and new technologies, fostering a dynamic food industry with higher quality and greater variety, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
• Stringent standards, awareness campaigns, and public education empower you to make informed choices about the food you put on your table.

How to obtain the FSSAI license and logo for food business operators?

To obtain the FSSAI license and logo, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the official portals of both FSSAI and FoSCoS. There, enroll yourself as a food business operator (FBO).
• Complete the digital application form, providing essential information like your food business's nature, category, precise location, ownership details, and contact particulars.
• Attach requisite documentation, including identification proofs, address validations, property ownership or lease documents, and your food safety management strategy.
• Settle the applicable fee. The fee structure depends on your food business's scale and type. Payment options encompass both online transactions and offline remittances via a provided challan.
• Upon application submission, you'll be furnished with an acknowledgment number for monitoring your application's progress.
• The FSSAI team will scrutinize your submission, potentially scheduling an on-site inspection.
• Upon successful validation, you'll be granted the FSSAI license and logo. The license duration ranges between 1 to 5 years, determined by its category. Retrieve your license and logo from the FoSCoS platform or await their dispatch via mail.
• Ensure a prominent display of the FSSAI logo and license number on your food products' packaging. They should stand out against the packaging background, ensuring clarity. Additionally, remember to initiate the renewal process before your license's expiration, mirroring the initial application steps.

What are the penalties for misusing or violating the FSSAI logo rules?

The use of the FSSAI logo is subject to certain conditions and permissions, depending on the nature and purpose of the event, publication, website, or program that intends to display the logo. The FSSAI has the right to withdraw the permission or take corrective action if the logo is used without approval or in a misleading manner.

The FSSAI Act also prescribes various penalties for offenses related to the quality, safety, and labeling of food products. Some of the penalties are as follows:

• Penalty for running a food business without an FSSAI license: Up to 5 lakh rupees and six months imprisonment
• Penalty for sub-standard food: Rs 5 lakh
• Penalty for misbranded food: Rs 3 lakh
• Penalty for misleading advertisement or false description: Rs 10 lakh
• Penalty for food containing extraneous matter: Rs 1 lakh

How to report or complain about fake or misleading FSSAI logos?

Counterfeit or deceptive FSSAI logos pose a significant threat, undermining both consumer confidence and safety. Should you come across any suspicious FSSAI emblem, it's crucial to report it promptly. Here are several avenues to lodge your concerns:

• Dial the toll-free hotline at 1800112100 to voice your complaint directly to FSSAI's customer service team.
• Share details about the misleading logo, along with its associated product or venue, via WhatsApp or SMS to 9868686868.
• Forward your concerns via email to [email protected], ensuring you attach any pertinent evidence.
• Navigate to the official FSSAI website (https://www.fssai.gov.in/) and complete the digital Food Safety Concern form with the necessary particulars.
• Seek guidance from your local FSSAI regional office, or consult with the appointed officer or food safety representative in your vicinity.

FSSAI remains committed to taking decisive measures against such violations, ensuring that only certified food businesses display their logo. For verification, always cross-reference the license or registration number on the FSSAI platform. Beware of fraudulent websites falsely claiming to offer FSSAI registration or licensing; they operate without FSSAI's endorsement, and any associated risks or damages are not FSSAI's liability.