Key Features of Food Safety Compliance System

When it comes to consumption by consumers, the food industry enjoys huge market demand and an overwhelming range of products that are made available to consumers. With such diversity in food products, must give the health and security of consumers utmost importance. The Food Safety Compliance System, also known as the FoSCoS, was introduced to handle the licensing and regulatory compliances concerning food safety efficiently.

Purpose of the Food Safety Compliance System:

• To create a centralized system for registrations and compliances with respect to the food industry for the food business operators.
• To enable online applications in addition to physical alternatives.
• To replace the former Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS), which was deemed inefficient by many.
• To simplify the process of registrations for food business operations.

Features of the FoSCoS:

• The portal is user-friendly and user interactive, providing a centralized hub of information and services.
• It is possible to bring about new upgrades and modifications in the portal as new requirements arise, making it updated in nature.
• Food business operators also can file annual returns through the FoSCoS portal.

The FoSCoS registration process:

Food Business Operators need to be registered under FoSCoS in order to be able to avail of the services under it. The process of registration involves a few simple steps, as follows:

1. The business operator needs to visit the official handle of the Food Safety Compliance System.
2. The operator then needs to select the Sign-Up option provided on the web page for new registrations.
3. The food business operator is then required to fill in all the necessary details relevant to their operations or business, as specified, including their email address and mobile number.
4. The operator is then required to verify his email address and mobile number by entering the code that will send to them respectively.
5. Once the code is submitted and duly verified, the food business operator may use their credentials to log into their account on the system at any point in time.

The FoSCoS registration process for petty food business operators:

The process for petty food business operators is slightly different as follows:

1. The operator needs to apply for a Certificate of Registration after logging into their account through the usual procedure.
2. The operator needs to verify their email address and mobile number by entering the code sent to them, respectively.
3. Once verified, they shall be required to insert the details meant specifically for petty food business operators.

Once registered on the FoSCoS portal, food business operators can move on to their Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration. Some pointers to apply or perform an FSSAI license check online or to apply for registration, depending on the size and nature of the business, are as follows:

• The food business operator needs to access the FoSCoS portal and fill out the application form for FSSAI registration (Form A). Additionally, they may be required to fill out Form B's application for State or Central license under FSSAI. Both applications are available at the FoSCoS portal.
• The application has to be submitted on the FoSCoS portal, along with all required documents.
• The Food and Safety Department, after due scrutiny, may accept the application or reject it within a time period that usually lasts seven days. The department may carry out additional inspections if they so choose.
• Once the FSSAI registration certificate is granted, it shall be available at the FoSCoS portal of the food business operator. They are required to display the said certificate at their place of business during their operational hours.

FoSCoS Fee Structure:

The fees payable for registration under FSSAI depends on the nature of the food business operator. For basic registrations, the fee payable is 1,000 rupees. For State Licenses, the fee ranges between 2,500 rupees to 5,000 rupees, determined by the type of business they are engaged in. Central Licenses require a fee payment of 7,500 rupees.