In India, Food License is indispensable for food business operator. It must be obtained by the Manufacturers, storage units, transporters, distributors, retailers, petty hawkers etc. Before commencing the food business, FSSAI license must be obtained from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Not only obtain, but FSSAI License is equally important to be renewed within the time so that you would be able to continue to operate the business legally and comply with the FSSAI regulations.
The initial validity of the food license which is chosen by the food business operators can be 1 year up to 5 years and accordingly the fee is decided. As prescribed under FSSAI guidelines, every food business operator has to apply for renewal of the food license 30 days before the expiry of the current food license.
An FSSAI license is a major license which is necessary for food business operators( FBOs) in India. Before the starting of the business all the eligible food operators like manufacturers, transporters, distributors, retailers, etc are asked to have an FSSAI license. But, it is not important only getting an FSSAI license it is fairly important to renew your license from time to time to continue operating legally and comply with the FSSAI regulations.
Therefore, it is best to renew your FSSAI license on the time to avoid fines.
Therefore, it is best to renew your FSSAI license on the time to avoid fines.
The first and foremost measure in the renewal of FSSAI license is to file Form A in case of basic FSSAI registration or Form B in case of central or state FSSAI license with the signatures of the authorized signatory. These are the primary forms consisting of the business activities of the food operator which are expected to be filled along with the self-attested declaration that a food business operator is required to comply with the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Besides, a photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, Driving License or Voter Identity Card is also required to be attached.
The application for renewal must be accompanied by an audit report or Food Safety Management System Plan, or Certificate regarding food safety management system has to be filed.
Form IX i.e. form of the nomination of persons by the company has to be filed in the prescribed format.
After receiving the application for FSSAI renewal along with all the necessary documents, the authorities would then examine the application and if necessary, could also arrange for an inspection at the premises of the food business operator in order to make sure that all the details provided regarding the particular food business are true and reliable, and all the information have been disclosed and submitted.
After successful inspection of the business undertakings by the authorities, if they are satisfied, then they issue a license in favour of the food business operator.
It needs only 60 days for the food license to reach the food business operator. If more than 60 days have passed and the food business operator has not received the license, then it can resume its business without waiting for any further notice or communication on their part.
Therefore, it is best to renew your FSSAI license on the time to avoid fines.
The applicant can verify the status of an application-
The application will be cancelled if the application includes invalid business or if the candidate has filled the wrong state for proofs.
A Basic FSSAI registration can be renewed within 7 days. If the food business operator has a Central or State License, then it will take about 30 days to renew. Still, one can resume doing the business if they have given the application.
FSSAI Renewal License can be applied for a validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years. The application for Renewal of License necessitates being registered for additional continuity of business and legality of the license.
The FSSAI online registration of the food business is necessary for compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI has asked that all FBOs must apply for renewal in 30 days before the prevailing license expires.
If in case, the application for the renewal of the license is not submitted in the specified time, the FBOs are imposed with a penalty of ₹100 per day. In extension to this, FSSAI may consider the license as expired and FBO need to apply for a new license. In case of non-compliance, the business operator has to pay the fine for non-renewal of license. If you do not want to face any of the penalty, then hold the license up to date and appeal for Renewal of FSSAI license.
If your FSSAI license has expired, then the only choice is to apply for a new and fresh license.
Non-compliance with the FSSAI regulations can prove to be harmful with a harsh penalty and may cause harm to your brand reputation.
Food inspections will be conducted by Food Safety Officers and compliance levels will be given for the food business. Compliance will be rated as below –
In accordance with the above tagging, the Food Safety Officer can issue an Improvement Notice. The officer can also cancel the license if the standards are not sustained even after warnings.
If the FBO is not happy with the Food Safety Officer’s improvement notice, they can request to the State Commissioner of Food Safety. Their judgments can also put to a challenge by an appeal towards Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court.
If the application is given back to you to change the reason can be :