Every food business operator in India requires an FSSAI license or registration, and the precision of the information provided in this paper is also of significance. The address of the food business is one of the most important information. Any alteration of business locations, whether it is relocation, expansion, or amendment of the address information, should be reflected in the FSSAI license. Failure to do so may translate to sanctions, suspension, or the license may indeed be cancelled.
This article describes how to alter the address of an FSSAI license in an easy and practical way and what compliance factors food business operators must not overlook.
Introduction
Indian food safety regulations put a high value on accountability and traceability. The location where food is produced, stored, distributed, or sold is specified in the address in an FSSAI license. This address must be updated not only because of the inspection, audits and other regulatory measures associated with it.
The most common assumption made by food business operators is that a change of address is a small update. The fact is that by changing the premises and not changing the FSSAI license, it may be equivalent to running operations under the wrong or invalid registration. The knowledge of the appropriate process enables businesses to stay afloat and reduce the need to be involved in unwarranted legal complications.
Should Address Change in FSSAI License be Made?
An address change will be needed when there is a change in the physical address of the food business. This can involve a change of location to new premises, a transfer to a new unit or a change of rent place to a property that has been owned.
The slightest possibility of correction in building number, street name, or pin code should also be changed to make sure that records are correct.
FSSAI Type of license and modification of address
The address change process is applicable to:
- FSSAI Basic Registration
- FSSAI State License
- FSSAI Central License
It should be noted, though, that an address change is considered to be a significant change in the regulations of FSSAI. This implies that the current license is not simply amended, but in most instances, a new license or registration is issued after verification.
Legal Requirement of Address Update
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, every operator of a food business should make sure that the information he or she gives to the licensing authority is correct and current. Use of a different address than the one indicated in the license is a non-compliance.
FSSAI also needs to give prior consent on the changes that involve the core information of the business, such as its place.
Procedure for Changing the Address in FSSAI License Online
1. Login to FoSCoS Portal
Address change in an FSSAI license is done online via the portal FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). The applicant will be required to log in with the registered credentials that are associated with the existing license or registration.
2. Choose Modification of License/Registration
Once logged in, one should select the option of modifying the license or registration. Address change is a significant change; hence, the system usually takes it as equivalent to a new application.
The current license information is already typed in, and the new address needs to be typed very attentively.
3. Post Supporting Documents
Paperwork pertaining to the new facility should be uploaded. These normally involve the evidence on the ownership of the new address and the layout or plan that is needed, depending on the nature of the food business.
The legal right to operate out of the new location must be clearly stated in the documents.
4. Payment of Prescribed Fees
Relevant government charges should be paid online. The charge will vary depending on the nature of the license and the period of time to be covered.
The fee structure is like a new application since the new license is normally given.
5. Food Safety Officer Inspection
A food safety officer can also physically inspect the new premises, in most instances, particularly when it comes to manufacturing or processing units. The inspection is done to make sure that the hygiene, safety, and infrastructure standards used are in line with the requirements presented in the FSSAI regulations.
6. Grant of New FSSAI License
After the verification and approval, a new license or registration certificate of FSSAI with the new address is issued. It is only upon having this certificate that the business is supposed to start its operations at the new location.
Important Points to Keep in Mind
- The operators of the food business are not to operate using the new address before the new license is issued. The new location has the old license, which becomes ineffective.
- In case the business is located in more than one place, the FSSAI license/ registration must be done at the individual address.
- When an address change is applied at the right time, it prevents penalties and interruption of any business activities.
Consequences of Not Updating Address
Inability to renew the address in FSSAI license can lead to:
- monetary penalties,
- suspension/cancellation of license,
- problems in checking or audits,
- prosecution by food safety legislation.
This non-conformity may also hurt the reputation of the food business.
Conclusion
One of the compliance requirements that one should not ignore at all is the change of address in a license issued by FSSAI. Address modification is considered a significant change, and thus, the food business operators will need to adhere to the given procedure via the FoSCoS portal and receive permission to work out of the new structure. The timely renewal of the license and maintenance of appropriate records can guarantee businesses’ continuous functioning and their compliance with the FSSAI rules in their entirety.
