How to avoid delay in getting FSSAI License?

With the aim of ensuring the safety of food products available in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was introduced. It is important for all food operators to obtain registration or license from FSSAI as per the nature of their business.

The process of obtaining FSSAI registration/license has been made simple and straightforward with the introduction of the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). FoSCoS is an upgraded technical support system eliminating the drawbacks of the previous support system.

Though the process of applying for registration/license has been simplified, there are certain situations where the issuance of the license is delayed.

This article discusses the reasons for such delay in obtaining the license and some suggestions that can prevent such delay. 

Causes of delay in obtaining the FSSAI License:

The most common reason for the delay in obtaining the FSSAI license is because several applications are returned to the FBOs as either they do not reply to the queries of the Licensing Authority or they fail to reply within the specified time limit. Another reason can be that many applications remain unanswered by the authorities which causes a delay in providing the license to the FBOs.

Suggestions to avoid delay in Food License:

  • Select the appropriate food business class

Before selecting the class of Food Business, the user must read the definitions of Food Businesses and then select the suitable option.

  • Select the appropriate class for Food Product Categorization Code

Users must refer to the Food Product Categorization document carefully.

  • Upload true and appropriate documents

Users must ensure that all documents are true, correct, and attested as and when required before uploading the same.

  • Know eligibility 

The user must know which category of license he is required to apply for in accordance with the nature of his business operations. The categories of License/Registration are Central License/State License/ basic Registration.

  • Make preparations for inspection

The Food Business operator must be ready for Inspection of his business premises by the concerned official.

  • Fulfill the conditions of the License for Food Businesses

The FBO must at all times comply with the conditions of the License as specified in the Act and Regulations.

  • Become aware of the modes of Payment 

The user must carefully consider the mode of payment of fees while making his application for FSSAI License. 

  • Requirement of Technical Person to supervise the production process

The FBO must select the appropriate personnel for supervising possessing the qualification as specified by the law.

  • Nominate an individual as a condition of applying for License

Users must nominate a person and specify their details in the Form of Nomination (FORM NO.IX) duly signed as per the Act.

  • Required NOC from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) if groundwater is being extracted

Where any FBO is extracting groundwater to carry out the Food Business, they require NOC from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to submit the same along with Form B (Application of License)

Conclusion:

Availability of nutritious food is a serious issue that must be monitored on a continuous basis by the appropriate authorities. Therefore, FBOs must comply with all the requirements of the law to run their business operations uninterrupted.


Related Articles