Question

Is it mandatory for food delivery company to take FSSAI license (in India).
do not answer yes or no. elaborate details and procedure.

Answer 1

Yes, food delivery companies need to take FSSAI license (in india) as FSSAI license is not only required for manufacturers only but to all traders who involves in food business and supply also. FSSAI license is mandatory before starting any food business. All the manufacturers, traders, restaurants who are involved in food business must obtain a 14-digit registration or a license number which must be printed on food packages.

This step is taken by government to ensure that food products undergo certain quality checks, thereby reducing the instances of adulteration, substandard products and improve accountability of manufacturers.

Businesses engaged in food activities are required to apply for different type of food license based on turnover, scale of business and the type of activity. Such businesses must apply for either of the licenses (central or state) or simple registration. The criteria specified in rules are as follows:

FSSAI Basic registration

This is required for small business or startups which have annual turnover below Rs.12 lakhs. Basic registration can be upgraded to state license as your sales graph increases.

FSSAI State license

This license is applicable to mid-sized companies which have annual turnover between Rs.12-20 crores.

FSSAI Central license

This license is applicable typically on large business with annual turnover above Rs.20 crores. It is also required in cases where you need to supply at the government offices or import / export food products.

The procedure for FSSAI license certification is given below:

1. Planning of business
2. Identifying the annual turnover of the business.
3. Understanding the type of license required for the business.
4. Completing documentation.
5. Paying the challan.
6. Submission of documents
7. Inspection process.
8. Follow-up and License completion.

The procedure for obtaining a license in detail:

1. Application for License shall be made in FORM B to the concerned central licensing authority or the state licensing authority, based on the eligibility criteria for the food business

2. The application shall be accompanied by a self attested declaration in the specified format declaring that he conforms/shall conform to the Food Safety and Standards Act,Regulations/Bye Laws and shall follow the guidelines on Hygiene and Sanitary Practices provided under Schedule – 4 of the Registration and Licensing Regulations, along with the requisite documents and requisite license fee.

3. The Authorities will carry out inspection of the food business.

4. The license shall be issued by the concerned licensing authority within a period of 60 days.

5. If from the date of making the completed application, a license is not issued within 60 days or the applicant has not received any intimation in this regard the applicant may commence his food business without waiting for further communication.