Why do You Need a Food License or FSSAI Registration?

Are you planning to open a restaurant? If yes, you need to follow certain guidelines and seek a food license to open a food business. In any country, there are certain laws and regulations that need to be followed to ensure the safety of the consumers. Seeking a food license to open a restaurant is just a way to protect the interests of the consumers.

In India, to open up a restaurant or any food business, it is imperative to comply with the guidelines set by FSSAI or the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI ensures the smooth functioning of a restaurant and its compliance as per the law of the land. The license by FSSAI ensures the standardization and safety of food products produced, manufactured and sold in the country.

Coverage of Food License for Small Business

FSSAI license has been made mandatory by the government of India to make sure that food produced in an eatery or a restaurant is as per the quality standards set by the Food Authority. This way, problems like the inferior quality of food or food adulteration can be avoided. The license has been divided into three categories:

• Single state businesses FSSAI license with less than Rs 12 lakh annual turnover
• Single state restaurants, hotels, and medium-sized food manufacturers FSSAI license with annual turnover from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 2o crore
• Central Enterprise FSSAI License with the annual turnover of more than Rs 20 crore

The Role of Government

In India, selling of food whether by a small restaurant or a big hotel is monitored by FSSAI. It is a government authority that manages and handles the food business in India. Since food is quite a sensitive subject, having quite an impact on the health of the consumer, it is imperative to make sure that there is no compromise with its quality.

The government has made strict rules and regulations, and directed food businesses of the country to follow them. Thus, when planning to set up a food business, it is imperative to apply for a food license. This way, the government tries to ensure food safety. The businesses must also ensure that the food sold by them is not harmful to the consumers in any way. At the registration time, a proper verification process is conducted to ensure safety. As the registration process is completed, a food license is issued.

The significance of Food License

• Before applying for the food license, the business owner needs to check whether he is eligible for acquiring a food license. As per the FSSAI Act, 2006, the company that has an annual turnover of less than Rs 12 Lakh only needs an FSSAI Registration. But, if the annual turnover is more than Rs 12 Lakh, an FSSAI License is mandatory. These days, it is possible to complete an online FSSAI Registration.
• After acquiring a food license, make sure that the food produced at your outlet has been chemically verified and thus totally safe to consume. Consuming adulterated food or food with harmful ingredients may be damaging to health. There are many instances when a food business faces accusations regarding the use of cheap or adulterated ingredients or unsafe ingredients. Acquiring a food license helps in protecting a food business against such challenges and accusations. Having a license to operate is a factual proof of food safety and assuring people about the safety of food with no adverse health consequences.
• Acquiring a food license also ensures the reliability of your company. Once a food license has been obtained, the business enterprise can announce it officially. FSSAI certification also helps in the marketing a food business. The customers using the services of such an establishment are assured about the quality of the food being served and available. A level of trust develops which increases business reliability and profitability.
• Besides critical factors like an assurance about food safety and company reliability, acquiring a food license also help consumers gain an assurance that the food being served is of a high standard. When the verification process of food is taking place, a quality verification is also conducted. This ensures the food products' quality which is again a much-desired assurance for the consumers.

FSSAI issues food license only after proper verification of the business. This verification includes the verification of ingredients being used as well as chemical verification. This way, the food product reaching the end consumers is totally safe to consume. The process of food manufacturing is also checked. In case there are any flaws or any scope for improvement, improvements are indicated to the business to ensure changes.

All these factors mentioned above help in understanding the significance of obtaining FSSAI registration when venturing into the food business. The government doesn't allow any chances to be taken with the health of the people. When a business enterprise goes through the process of acquiring this license and is open to get any kind of verification done, it is basically an acceptance of the fact that the health and life of the consumers are paramount to them. Moreover, the consumers tend to trust those eateries that carry proper licenses to operate.

The companies, in turn, can safeguard themselves against false accusations made against the food manufactured by them. Accusations pertaining to food safety and health issues can be easily countered by the business. Thus, seeking an FSSAI license is a serious matter and it must not be taken lightly. When planning to open a restaurant, one must immediately start the procedure of applying and obtaining FSSAI license. It is for the company as well as customers' benefit in the long run. Seek a professional's help in obtaining this license. He or she can simplify the process by completing the documentation and legal formalities.