In the past, the shelves of supermarkets were mostly dominated by neatly packaged foods — colourful boxes, crisp bags, and tins filled with products that promised us convenience and longevity. But sooner, people began to question the true cost of this ‘convenience’. As concerns about the health risks of processed food grew, India witnessed a shift towards a healthier and more natural alternative to processed food. With the need for homemade food, many passionate cooks began turning their small kitchens into small businesses that offer homemade food. From organic jams to gluten-free snacks, people in India have embraced homemade products. But turning your passion for cooking into a business is not a piece of cake. It has to be FSSAI registration. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a regulatory body in India that mandates that all food products – including homemade foods – comply with specific safety standards. In this blog, we will talk you through what FSSAI registration means, why it is necessary, and how you can secure it for your homemade food business.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI is a regulatory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2008. The main objective of the body is to ensure that the food consumed by people in India is safe, nutritious, and free from contamination. Before the formation of FSSAI, food regulation was not uniform; it was fragmented and governed by various laws. With the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, the law on food safety became consolidated, and the act empowered FSSAI to set food standards, create regulations, and monitor food quality in India.
Why Should Homemade Food Sellers Care About FSSAI Registration?
Many food businesses, especially smaller ones, overlook FSSAI registration, assuming that it is only mandatory for large manufacturers or commercial kitchens. However, the case is quite the opposite. FSSAI registration for all food manufacturers, whether small or big, due to the following reasons:
- Legal Assurance
As a homemade food business, you might wonder whether registration is really necessary, especially if you’re operating locally. The answer is yes – FSSAI registration ensures you follow India’s food safety laws. Without it, your business can be deemed illegal, which exposes you to fines or even the suspension of your food-selling rights.
- Building Trust with Consumers
In this time, consumers are more informed today than ever before. As a food business, one of the best ways to earn their trust is by displaying your FSSAI registration number. This registration number shows that your products meet the safety standards set by the government of India.
- Growth Opportunities
For small home-based food sellers, FSSAI registration is not just a legal requirement but it is a way to upscale your operations. Whether you are selling your products on online platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, opening a local food stall, or hoping to distribute your products across retail outlets, FSSAI registration make sure that your business meets the required regulations to expand your reach.
Which Products Require an FSSAI License?
FSSAI license is required for the following products:
| Manufacturers & Processors | Food Retailers | Specific Products |
| Any food that is packaged or processed for sale, including snacks, beverages, bakery items, dairy products, etc. | Any establishment serving food for consumption. | Baby foods, infant formulas, and other similar products. |
| Canned fruits, vegetables, and meat. | Catering businesses for events, parties, and other services. | Organic food products must meet certain guidelines under FSSAI. |
| Frozen vegetables, ice cream, frozen meat, and seafood. | Vendors are selling food on the streets. | Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. |
| Dried fruits, nuts, and dried vegetables. | Food delivery businesses that pack and deliver food. | Businesses involved in processing, packing, or selling fruits and vegetables. |
| Sausages, ham, bacon, and other processed meats. | Mobile food services. | Processors and sellers of honey and jaggery. |
| Masalas, powdered spices, pickles, sauces, and chutneys. | ||
| Protein supplements, vitamins, and other health products. | ||
| Bottled soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks. | ||
| Beer, wine, spirits, and other alcoholic drinks. |
| Food Retailers | Food Storage & Distribution | |
| It includes any establishment serving food for consumption. | FSSAI registration is mandatory for storage facilities that store perishable food items like fruits, vegetables, diary, and meat. | |
| Catering businesses for events, parties, and other services. | FSSAI registration is mandatory for the warehouses that store packaged food items. | |
| Vendors are selling food on the streets. | FSSAI registration is mandatory for wholesale businesses that sell bulk food products. | |
| Food delivery businesses that pack and deliver food and Mobile food services (truck) | ||
| Food Importers and Exporters | Food Packaging and Labeling | Food Additives and Chemicals |
| It includes all the businesses that import food products into India. | It involves the businesses that are involved in food packaging and labelling. | It includes producers, traders, and suppliers of food additives, flavorings, and preservatives, for example colorants, sweeteners, emulsifiers, etc. |
| It includes businesses (in India) that export food to other countries. | It also includes businesses that produce or sell animal feed or pet food |
Types of FSSAI Licenses
Before applying for an FSSAI registration, it is important to understand that there are different types of licenses based on the scale of your operation:
- Basic Registration: It is required for small businesses that have an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. Homemade food businesses mostly fall under this category. It is important for business that sell food online or at local markets.
- State License: If the annual turnover of your business exceeds ₹12 lakh but is below ₹20 crores, you need a State License. This license is required if you are planning to distribute your homemade products across multiple states or expand your production capacity.
- Central License: If the annual turnover of your business exceeds ₹20 crore or more, the Central License is necessary. This license applies to national-level food manufacturers, large distribution operations, and those who deal in cross-border food trade.
The FSSAI Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the below-mentioned steps to register your business at FSSAI
Step 1: Visit the FSSAI Portal
Visit the official FSSAI website at https://www.fssai.gov.in/. Create an account by filling in your personal and business details.
Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents
For FSSAI registration, you will need to provide various documents to verify your business and its compliance with food safety norms, including:
- Your proof of Identity includes an Aadhar card and PAN card.
- Your proof of Address includes a rent agreement or utility bill.
- Your Food Safety Management System Plan that outlines how your kitchen and operations adhere to safety standards.
- List of Food Products that includes details of the food products you plan to sell.
- Packaging Details containing the information about the packaging materials used, ensuring they are food-grade.
- Photo of the Premises where the food is being prepared or stored.
Step 3: Fill in the Application
After registration on the FSSAI portal, fill out the online application. You will need to provide more detailed information about your business operations, the types of food you produce, and how you maintain hygiene and safety.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once your application is complete, submit it for review. The FSSAI mostly takes 7 to 30 days to process applications.
Step 5: Display the FSSAI Number
After successful registration, you’ll receive your FSSAI license number. This number has to be clearly displayed on all your product packaging and marketing materials.
Key FSSAI Guidelines for Homemade Food Businesses
It is necessary to ensure that your production process follows the guidelines established by FSSAI when you apply for FSSAI registration. The guidelines include:
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: You have to make sure that your kitchen and workspace are cleaned and sanitized regularly and are free from pests. All cooking utensils, containers, and equipment have to be kept sterile.
- Storage Conditions: Food products must be stored in appropriate conditions to avoid contamination. For example, perishables should be stored in refrigerators or freezers.
- Food Labeling: Your product labels must include the FSSAI registration number, product ingredients, nutritional information, manufacturing and expiration dates, and any allergens present.
- Packaging: The packaging needs to food-grade and safe for consumption. Avoid using those type of containers that could leach harmful chemicals into the food.
- Regular Food Testing: It is important to test your products regularly to maintain hygiene standards.
Conclusion
It can be exciting and rewarding to start a homemade food business in India. Registering your business at FSSAI ensures that your products are safe and trustworthy. It is mandatory for all businesses that make homemade products. While registering, it is important to choose the right type of license so that you don’t make any mistakes. It is advisable to consult a professional for the registration process to ensure that your business runs smoothly in the eyes of the law as well as customers.
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FAQs
1. Do I need FSSAI registration if I’m only selling homemade food to friends and family?
Yes, even small-scale sales require FSSAI registration to ensure food safety compliance.
2. How long does it take to get FSSAI registration for homemade food?
FSSAI registration typically takes 7 to 30 days, depending on the type of application.
3. Can I sell homemade food products online without FSSAI registration?
No, selling food online requires FSSAI registration to ensure compliance with safety standards.
4. What happens if I don’t register my homemade food business with FSSAI?
Operating without FSSAI registration can lead to fines, legal penalties, and business suspension.
5. Can I apply for FSSAI registration if I operate my business from home?
Yes, FSSAI registration is mandatory for any food business, even if it is run from home.
6. What types of homemade food businesses need FSSAI registration?
All homemade food businesses, including small-scale or large-scale producers, must obtain FSSAI registration.
