FSSAI Issues Advisory to Enhance Food Safety: What Food Businesses Need to Know
- seo359
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
Food safety has always been a critical issue in India, given the diverse culinary practices and massive scale of food production and consumption. To ensure public health and protect consumers from adulteration and unsafe food practices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) continues to issue regulations, advisories, and updates.
Recently, the FSSAI has issued a fresh advisory to enhance food safety standards across the country, targeting food business operators (FBOs), especially those involved in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and retail. This advisory is a reminder of the regulatory body’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the food ecosystem.
This blog dives into what the latest advisory entails, how it affects businesses, and why FSSAI registration is more important than ever for food entrepreneurs. We will also guide you on how Online Legal India can assist in getting your FSSAI license seamlessly.
What Is FSSAI and Its Role in Food Safety?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with the primary objective of regulating and supervising food safety across India. It sets scientific standards for food products and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe and wholesome food for consumers.
FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and serves as the apex body governing food laws in India. All food-related businesses, from small hawkers to large-scale manufacturers and importers, are required to comply with FSSAI regulations and obtain mandatory FSSAI registration or license.
Summary of the Latest FSSAI Advisory
The FSSAI’s latest advisory outlines measures to strengthen food safety practices and ensure stricter compliance. Here's what the advisory includes:
1. Mandatory Display of FSSAI License Number
Food Business Operators (FBOs) are now strictly advised to display their FSSAI license number prominently at their premises, especially at entry points or billing counters. This allows customers to verify the license details online and builds trust.
2. Enhanced Food Labelling Requirements
The advisory emphasizes correct labelling of food products, ensuring consumers are well-informed about the ingredients, expiry dates, allergens, and nutritional value. Misleading labels or lack of proper labelling will invite penalties.
3. Strict Monitoring of Hygiene and Sanitation
FBOs must adhere to hygiene and sanitation norms as laid down in Schedule 4 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. FSSAI recommends periodic inspections and proper training of food handlers.
4. Regular Food Testing
Businesses are advised to conduct regular testing of food samples from NABL-accredited labs to ensure the quality and safety of their products.
5. Training and Capacity Building
The FSSAI urges FBOs to enroll in FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) to ensure food handlers are adequately trained.
Why FSSAI Registration Is More Crucial Than Ever
The latest advisory reflects the regulatory tightening of food safety norms in India. As such, FSSAI registration is no longer just a legal formality; it is a fundamental requirement for business legitimacy, consumer trust, and long-term sustainability.
Here’s why FSSAI registration is essential:
1. Legal Obligation
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, every food business must obtain an FSSAI license or registration depending on the size and nature of its operations. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines or even closure of the business.
2. Builds Credibility and Consumer Trust
Displaying your FSSAI license number signals that your products are safe and comply with national standards. This builds trust and improves customer retention.
3. Expands Market Reach
If you’re planning to supply to retail chains, export food items, or list your products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, FSSAI registration is mandatory.
4. Attracts Investments
Registered businesses are more likely to attract investors and partnerships as they present a picture of compliance, transparency, and professionalism.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI registration is mandatory for the following entities:
Street food vendors
Hawkers and petty retailers
Home-based food businesses (cloud kitchens, home bakers)
Restaurants and cafes
Food manufacturers and processors
Importers and exporters of food items
Food transporters, warehouses, and cold storage units
E-commerce food sellers
Based on your business size and turnover, you may need:
FSSAI Basic Registration – For businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakhs per annum
FSSAI State License – For turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores per annum
FSSAI Central License – For turnover above ₹20 crores or for import/export businesses
How to Get FSSAI Registration?
The process of FSSAI registration involves the following steps:
1. Determine the Type of License
First, assess your business turnover and category to identify whether you need a basic registration, state license, or central license.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Typically, the following documents are required:
Identity and address proof
Passport-size photograph
Business address proof
Partnership deed or incorporation certificate (if applicable)
Food safety management plan
List of food products to be handled
3. Online Application on FSSAI Portal
You must submit the application through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal along with scanned documents and fee payment.
4. Inspection (if applicable)
Depending on the category, a food safety officer may inspect your premises before granting approval.
5. License Issuance
Once verified, the FSSAI license is issued with a validity ranging from 1 to 5 years.
How Online Legal India Can Help You
Navigating the FSSAI registration process can be overwhelming, especially for new entrepreneurs or small business owners. Online Legal India, a leading platform for legal and business services, simplifies the entire process for you.
Why Choose Online Legal India?
Expert Guidance: Get end-to-end support from FSSAI experts.
Document Assistance: Help in collecting, verifying, and uploading the correct documents.
Faster Processing: Avoid delays or rejections due to errors.
Affordable Pricing: Transparent and budget-friendly service packages.
Pan India Services: Get FSSAI registration for any state or city in India.
Whether you run a cloud kitchen, food startup, restaurant, or food export business, Online Legal India ensures hassle-free FSSAI license registration, renewal, and compliance support.
The recent advisory is a wake-up call for FBOs to revisit their compliance checklist. Failure to comply with FSSAI regulations can result in:
Fines up to ₹5 lakhs for misbranded food
Closure of business in case of serious violations
License cancellation or suspension
Legal action and imprisonment for severe offenses
Hence, it is wise to act early and register your food business with FSSAI without delay.
Conclusion
With growing consumer awareness and a shift toward healthier lifestyles, the demand for safe, hygienic, and quality food is at an all-time high. The FSSAI’s advisory to enhance food safety is a timely intervention, reminding food businesses of their responsibility toward public health.
Whether you're a home-based food seller, restaurant owner, or food manufacturer, staying compliant with FSSAI norms is not only a legal necessity but a business imperative.
If you haven’t already, now is the right time to get your FSSAI registration done with the help of Online Legal India, your trusted partner in legal compliance and business success.
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