What Are The Key Compliance Requirements For FSSAI State License?

by Jeeny Cruz Content Writer

Whether you are going to enter the food products sector or any other product lines business in India, you will have to apply for appropriate license. Food business operators will have to comply with the rules mentioned in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. It covers many other previous relevant actives. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI is the body that enforces this act. This body is responsible for regulating the manufacture, sale, storage, import and distribution of food and related products. This guide explains the responsibilities of food business operators and what it requires to get FSSAI State license.

What Does FSSAI Do?

It is the FSSAI that sets the standards for all food and related products in the Indian market. It also regulates the following relevant aspects:

Manufacture
Distribution
Storage
Import
Sales

It also develops the information network that can be accessed by the consumers or the general public. FSSAI is the source of reliable information related to food safety and hygiene in the country.

Food Business Operator’s Responsibilities

Food business operators that need to comply with the requirements for FSSAI State license have the following responsibilities:

You should have undergone the awareness training
You should follow the FSMS plan framework. Food Safety Management System or FSMS plan enables food business operators to get more control over all the compliance requirements related to the product’s life cycle.
Audits
Product compliance
Registration or licensing
Record-keeping
Annual returns
Recall plan
Modifications and renewals

Areas of Compliance Requirements

When you apply for FSSAI State license, the key areas of compliance requirements include the following:

Raw materials standards
Packaging and labeling compliance
FSSAI State license and other regulatory compliance
Supply chain compliance
Vendor license
Advertising compliance
Product/operational compliance
New product development evaluation, etc.

Whether you are a food business operator or are into any other product line like that of a medical device or cosmetic sector operator seeking medical device registration in India or cosmetic registration in India, it is recommended to get the help of a professional consultant.

Benefits of Getting Professional Consultant Help

There are many advantages of getting the help of a professional and experienced consultant. The key benefits include the following:

You get help in meeting the compliance requirements for the license
Identification of potential food safety risks
Develop a culture of compliance for food safety
Compliance with both national and international food safety regulations
Getting an edge over the competition in food safety management plan addressing compliance aspects across the product life cycle
Employee education with regard to food safety compliance and the consequences of non-compliance
Reduce the chances of recalls or approval rejections

A consultant will also help with regard to staying up-to-date with the changes in regulatory requirements. As the regulators in food, medical and cosmetic sector are becoming more and more stringent in their approach to food safety in the country, the need for professional help has continued to increase. At the same time, the market has increasingly more informed consumers. Even if you are a business looking for food product, medical or cosmetic import India, you should seek professional help.