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Fssai Central License – Manufacturing
The FSSAI Central License is a critical requirement for food manufacturing units that operate on a large scale or deal with specialized food categories. It ensures compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, guaranteeing the safety and quality of food products. The license is mandatory for manufacturing units producing more than 2 metric tonnes per day, dairy units handling over 50,000 liters of milk daily, or those operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Businesses involved in the export or import of food products and those manufacturing proprietary or novel food items also require this license.
To obtain the license, manufacturing units must adhere to strict infrastructure standards, including hygienic and well-ventilated production areas, pest control measures, and clean water supply. Proper storage facilities for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods are essential. The units are also required to implement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and establish robust food safety systems. Regular testing of raw materials and finished products, as well as waste disposal mechanisms to prevent contamination, are integral to compliance.
Key Documents Required
- Form-B: Completed and signed application form.
- Layout of Manufacturing Unit: Detailed floor plan.
- Production Details: Information on production capacity and processes.
- Product List: Comprehensive list of food products and raw materials.
- Water Testing Reports: Certification of water quality used in production.
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS): Documented FSMS plan.
- Premises Proof: Ownership documents or lease agreement.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): From relevant authorities, if required.
- Equipment Details: List of machinery used in production.
Compliance with FSSAI guidelines is crucial for food manufacturers to avoid penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. Units must adhere to labeling standards, ensuring accurate information on ingredients, nutritional value, allergens, and expiry dates. Regular third-party testing, batch-wise quality inspections, and employee training on food safety are also necessary. Manufacturers in specific categories, such as dairy, meat, poultry, and packaged foods, must follow additional sector-specific guidelines.
Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations can result in fines, suspension of operations, or product recalls. Therefore, obtaining and maintaining the Central License is not just a legal obligation but a vital step toward building consumer trust and ensuring business growth. Food manufacturers seeking assistance with the licensing process can benefit from professional consultancy services that streamline documentation, conduct facility audits, and ensure smooth application filing and renewal. These services also provide ongoing support for compliance, making it easier for businesses to focus on scaling their operations while adhering to food safety norms.
If you need support with obtaining your FSSAI Central License, feel free to reach out to our team. We specialize in guiding food manufacturers through the process with efficiency and precision, ensuring full compliance with FSSAI standards.
FAQs
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which regulates and ensures the safety, hygiene, and quality of food products in India. It is crucial for businesses to comply with FSSAI standards to maintain consumer trust and meet legal requirements.
Any individual or business involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale, including relabeling, requires an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the scale of operations.
There are three types of FSSAI licenses:
Basic Registration: For small-scale food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
State License: For medium-scale businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
Central License: For large-scale businesses or those involved in export, import, or operating in multiple states.
An FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the chosen duration during application. It must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties. Renewal can be initiated through the FSSAI portal.
Operating without an FSSAI license is a punishable offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It can lead to fines, legal action, and the suspension of business operations.