FSSAI license for Restaurant
FSSAI registration is a mandatory requirement for anyone involved in the food business in India including a restaurant. It ensures compliance with food safety regulations and builds customer trust.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that all food businesses, including restaurants, obtain an FSSAI license to ensure food safety and maintain hygiene standards. This license guarantees that the restaurant adheres to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which regulates food quality in India. This guide covers everything you need to know about FSSAI license for restaurant, including its types, eligibility, fees, application process, and benefits.
Types of FSSAI License
FSSAI registration varies based on business type, annual turnover, and production capacity. Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain the appropriate license:
- FSSAI Registration / Basic licence: Suitable for small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs.
- FSSAI State License: Required for medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores.
- FSSAI Central License: Mandatory for large businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or those operating in multiple states. Additionally, businesses must obtain a separate central license for their Head Office/Registered Office and individual licenses for each operating location.
Eligibility Criteria for FSSAI License
The eligibility criteria for an FSSAI license depend on the scale and nature of the food business. Restaurants must consider factors like turnover, production capacity, and business type before applying.
Basic Registration: Suitable for small restaurants or food stalls.
State License: Required for standalone restaurants, catering services, and medium-sized food chains.
Central License: Required for large food businesses, franchises, and restaurants supplying to government offices or export markets.
Fee for FSSAI License
1. Hotels
A hotel is a commercial establishment that provides lodging, meals, and other guest services. To be classified as a hotel, an establishment must have at least 6 letting bedrooms, with a minimum of 3 having attached (ensuite) private bathrooms.
| Category | License Type | Annual Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star and Above | Central License | 7,500 |
| 3 Star and 4 Star | State License | 5,000 |
| 1 Star, 2 Star, or Hotels without Star Rating by the Ministry of Tourism (HRACC) | State License | 2,000 |
| Turnover up to Rs. 12 Lakhs per annum | Basic licence / Registration | 100 |
2. Restaurants and Bars
A restaurant is a food service operation that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers in exchange for money. Meals are typically served on the premises, though many establishments also offer take-out and delivery services.
| Turnover | License Type | Annual Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| More than Rs. 20 Crores per year | Central License | 7,500 |
| Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 20 Crores per year | State License | 2,000 |
| Up to Rs. 12 Lakhs per year | Basic licence / Registration | 100 |
3. Clubs & Canteens
A canteen or cafeteria is a dining facility within an institution or establishment that serves food, either prepared on-site or procured from external sources, to individuals associated with or visiting the institution.
| Turnover | License/Registration Type | Annual Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| More than Rs. 12 Lakhs per year | State License | 2,000 |
| Up to Rs. 12 Lakhs per year | Basic licence / Registration | 100 |
Validity of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s preference at the time of registration. To avoid penalties, businesses must renew the license before 30 days of expiry.
Documents Required for FSSAI License
To apply for an FSSAI license, restaurants must submit the following documents:
Photograph of the Applicant
Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc)
Address proof of business premises such as utility bill like Electricity bill, Gas bill, etc and rent agreement or NOC from owner if not rented.
Restaurant layout or kitchen plan
List of food products to be served
Food safety management plan
Business incorporation certificate like partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence or other business registration certificate.
Medical fitness certificates of all workers engaged in the firm
- All details of technical personnel in charge of the operation
- List of Equipment and Machinery
- Supporting documents (if required) like NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, copy of License from the manufacturer, etc.
Procedure for Obtaining FSSAI License Online
Follow these steps to apply for a new FSSAI License or Registration:
- Navigate to the Dashboard of FoSCoS website and click on “License/Registration” in the left-side menu.
- Select “Apply for New License/Registration.”
- Choose your State and carefully read the instructions before proceeding.
- Review the Group Heads of Kind of Business and select Restaurant under the Food service Business Group Head.
- Select the appropriate option based on your business’s annual turnover.
- Complete all mandatory fields in Form B.
- Provide accurate communication details (Mobile Number, Email ID, etc.), as all official correspondence will be sent to these contacts.
- Upload the required documents.
- Make the fee payment through the available payment options and click “Apply.”
- After the payment is successfully processed, a receipt will be generated.
- This receipt will contain a 17-digit reference number, which should be saved for future reference and tracking.
FSSAI Registration Status
Applicants receive SMS and email notifications at various stages of their application processing by FSSAI. Additionally, they can manually check the status by entering their application reference number in the ‘Track Application Status’ tab on the FoSCoS website.
FSSAI Registration Status Stages –
Application Reverted:
- If the status shows ‘Application Reverted’, it means FSSAI authorities have sent the application back for modifications or additional clarifications.
- The applicant must respond within 30 days from the date of reversion to prevent application rejection.
Registration Certificate Issued:
- Once the FSSAI authorities approve the application, the status will change to ‘Registration Certificate Issued.’
- The applicant can then log in to the FoSCoS portal and download the registration certificate.
It usually takes 7-30 days for approval, depending on the license type.
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
Having an FSSAI license offers multiple advantages for restaurant owners:
Legal Compliance: Avoids legal troubles and penalties.
Brand Credibility: Boosts consumer trust and enhances reputation.
Business Expansion: Facilitates entry into online food delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber Eats.
Quality Assurance: Ensures adherence to food safety standards.
Government Support: Eligible for government schemes and financial aid.
Renewal of FSSAI License
FSSAI licenses must be renewed 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties. The renewal process is similar to the initial registration:
Log in to the FoSCoS portal
Select the Renew License option
Submit updated documents (if required)
Pay the renewal fee
FSSAI Penalty and Offenses
Compliance Requirements
All registered or licensed food business operators (FBOs) must comply with the regulations outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act, 2006). Food Safety Officers (FSOs) conduct regular inspections to assess compliance levels using a predefined checklist.
Based on the inspection, compliance is categorized as:
- Compliance (C) – Fully adheres to regulations
- Non-compliance (NC) – Does not meet required standards
- Partial compliance (PC) – Meets some but not all requirements
- Not applicable/Not observed (NA) – Regulation does not apply or was not observed
If non-compliance is detected, the Food Safety Officer may issue an Improvement Notice under Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006. Failure to comply with the notice may result in the cancellation of the license after providing the FBO an opportunity to explain.
If an FBO disagrees with an Improvement Notice, they may:
- Appeal to the State Commissioner of Food Safety
- Further challenge the decision before the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal or High Court
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with FSSAI regulations may result in the following penalties:
| Sl. No. | Offense | Penalty (Fine in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food quality not in compliance with the Act | 2 Lakh (Petty Manufacturer – 25,000) |
| 2 | Sub-standard food | 5 Lakh |
| 3 | Misbranded food | 3 Lakh |
| 4 | Misleading advertisement or false description | 10 Lakh |
| 5 | Presence of extraneous matter in food | 1 Lakh |
| 6 | Failure to comply with Food Safety Officer’s directions | 2 Lakh |
| 7 | Unhygienic processing or manufacturing | 1 Lakh |
Failure to comply with food safety regulations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, license cancellation, or legal action. FBOs must ensure strict adherence to FSSAI guidelines to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Conclusion
Obtaining an FSSAI license is essential for restaurants to operate legally and maintain food safety standards. It not only enhances brand credibility but also ensures customer trust. By following the online registration process, maintaining hygiene standards, and renewing the license on time, restaurant owners can run their businesses smoothly and legally.
For hassle-free FSSAI registration, consult with professional FSSAI consultants who can help you with documentation and compliance requirements.
You can contact us at +91 9769647582 for any query or if you require our services to apply for FSSAI licence anywhere in Bharat.
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