Do I require having FSSAI License for a Fruit Business in India?

India is one of the largest agricultural markets in the world and fruits form a primary component of such a market. It is evident that any business dealing in food articles must have the relevant licenses to function and fruit business is also included in the category of obtaining FSSAI license.

FSSAI has prescribed several standards to be followed by fruit business operators. This article provides for certain standards that must be adhered to by such an operator the entire time while he is engaged in food business activities.

Standards to be followed by a Fruit Business Operator:

Practice in regards to hygiene:

• Fruits and vegetables protected from cross-contamination and conserved properly must be used.
• Fruits and vegetables must be cleaned in potable water before they are cut or mixed with other ingredients.
• Uncooked or fruits and ready-to-eat vegetables must be cleaned with 50 ppm chlorinated water before being cut, peeled, or served.
• Clean tools (equipment/utensils) made of non-absorbent food-grade materials must be used for peeling, squeezing, or cutting Fruits and vegetables
• Previously prepared fruits and vegetables must be kept in clean and covered food grade containers for refrigeration or at a maximum temperature suitable for such products.

Special Requirements:

• Only potable water must be used.
• Ice must also be made from potable water to be used in cut or juiced fruits /vegetables
• The machine used for dispensing juice must be cleaned with water on a regular basis.
• Juices must be kept under regular check for any fungal growth/change of color, odor, or gas which can be formed in the bottle.
• Fresh fruits or vegetables which are cut/juiced must be used immediately. It can be stored for a short period under refrigeration in properly sanitized and covered vessels.
• All fruits/vegetables must be washed properly before processing them into water-based chutneys, sauces, etc.
• Hazardous or high-risk foods such as hollandaise sauce, refried beans, scrambled eggs, and cut fruits must be discarded.

Why is obtaining a FSSAI License useful for Food Operators?

• The standard set of guidelines are provided by FSSAI, which can help to upgrade the business structure.
• The food operator can avoid legal issues and penal provisions which could be imposed otherwise. 
• Businesses can gain access to international markets.
• Business standards can be raised as access to research is obtained.
• More knowledge and awareness can escalate the growth of the business.
• Better association with the consumer, as more trust will be built due to availability of better quality products.

Stepwise Procedure to obtain FSSAI License:

• Sign up or log in to the FSSAI online portal.
• Click on apply for a new license/registration on the Home page.
• Click on apply for license/registration.
• Select the state from the drop-down menu.
• Select the type of business and eligibility for License/ registration. Then click proceed.
• View Eligibility and proceed further for the Filing of the new application form.
• Enter all the requisite details in the form (as per the nature of the food business).
• Select the type of food product category.
• Enter your communication details.
• Upload self-attested documents (as required).
• Submit the application along with the requisite fees along with it.

The fruit business needs to consider various matters such as setting business objectives, marketing plan, set up costs, detailed list of the products to be dealt in including license to be obtained from appropriate authority.