FSSAI Full Form

FSSAI’s full form is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It stands as the country's guardian of public health, ensuring that the food we consume meets stringent safety and quality standards. Since its inception in 2011, FSSAI has played a pivotal role in safeguarding consumers from foodborne illnesses and maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain. This article explores the history, significance, and importance of FSSAI in upholding food safety practices across India.

What is the Full Form of FSSAI?

The full form of FSSAI is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and runs under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI is responsible for laying down food safety standards, regulating the manufacturing, processing, distribution, sale, and import of food products, and ensuring the safety and quality of food consumed by the public in India.

The main objective of FSSAI is to protect and promote public health by setting scientific and comprehensive standards for food products and ensuring their compliance across the food industry.

History of FSSAI

The idea of a centralized food regulatory body in India dates back to the early 2000s when concerns over food safety and adulteration gained prominence. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, marked a significant milestone in this journey, laying the foundation for FSSAI's establishment.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI full form) came into existence in 2011 as a pivotal milestone in India's food safety journey. FSSAI emerged as the nation's guardian of public health, rigorously monitoring and regulating the food industry to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Over the years, FSSAI has evolved into a robust regulatory body, setting scientific and comprehensive standards for food products and bolstering consumer confidence with its recognizable "FSSAI logo." Through its relentless efforts, FSSAI continues to safeguard public health, making sure that every food product reaching the plates of Indian consumers is safe, wholesome, and of the highest quality.

FSSAI Roles and Responsibilities

As the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the organization has a multitude of roles and responsibilities to ensure food safety and quality across the country. Here are some of its key functions:

• FSSAI is responsible for establishing and laying down scientific and comprehensive food safety standards for various food products. These standards ensure that food consumed by the public is safe and of high quality.
• FSSAI regulates and licenses food businesses, including manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers.
• FSSAI oversees the import and export of food products to and from India. It ensures that imported food meets the required safety and quality standards and certifies Indian food products for export compliance.
• FSSAI conducts regular monitoring and surveillance of the food industry to identify and address potential food safety risks.
• FSSAI educates the public about the importance of purchasing food products with the FSSAI logo, signifying compliance with safety standards.
• FSSAI, full form of which is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, regulates food labelling and packaging requirements to ensure that consumers receive accurate information about the food products they purchase.
• FSSAI enforces food safety regulations and takes appropriate actions against non-compliant food businesses.
• FSSAI promotes and supports research and development activities related to food safety and quality. It collaborates with scientific institutions to enhance knowledge and understanding in this field.
• FSSAI is prepared to respond promptly to food-related emergencies and outbreaks.
• FSSAI engages in capacity-building initiatives to train food business operators, food handlers, and other stakeholders in best practices for food safety and hygiene.

Overall, FSSAI's roles and responsibilities are centered around ensuring that the Indian public is protected from foodborne illnesses and that they have access to safe and nutritious food products.

Location of FSSAI

FSSAI operates in 4 regions with a total of 17 offices.

• The Northern Region has its head office based in New Delhi.
• The Eastern Region is served by a regional office located in Kolkata.
• The Western Region is supported by a regional office situated in Mumbai.
• The Southern Region is facilitated by a regional office situated in Chennai.

FSSAI Licensing

Obtaining an FSSAI license is a legal mandate under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for any entity engaged in the manufacturing, processing, distribution, sale, or import of food products.  FSSAI licensing demonstrates that the food business is compliant with the relevant regulatory requirements. So, let us take you through its basics!

Who Does FSSAI Issue Licenses To?

• Food Manufacturers
• Food Processors
• Food Distributors
• Food Retailers
• Food Caterers
• Food Importers
• Food Transporters

Documents Required To Obtain FSSAI Registration

Here is the list of documents required to get an Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI full form) license:

• Three Passport Size Photographs of Proprietor / Partner / Director
• Property Tax Bill
• Business Constitution Document (Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, etc.)
• Plan of the Processing Unit with Dimensions and Operation-wise Area Allocation
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with Address, Contact Details, and Photo ID
• Name and List of Equipment and Machinery with Number and Installed Capacity
• List of Food Categories to be Manufactured
• Analysis Report of Water Quality for Process Use
• Index Copy (if Applicant is the Owner of the Premises)
• Address Proof
• Food Safety Management System Plan
• List of Food Products
• FSSAI Declaration Form
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
• Food Testing Report
• Layout Plan and Photographs
• Proof of Turnover and Production Capacity

How To Get FSSAI Registration?

FBOs have the convenience of obtaining FSSAI registration through both online and offline methods. For online registration, they need to fill and submit either Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) on the FoSCoS portal. Alternatively, FBOs can opt for offline registration by submitting Form A or Form B to the Food and Safety Department.

To complete the registration process, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI full form) registration form must be accompanied by necessary documents. These documents can be uploaded online on the FoSCoS portal while filling the application or physically submitted to the Food and Safety Department along with the application. Both options provide FBOs with flexibility in meeting the registration requirements.

Types of FSSAI Registration

Here are the 3 types of FSSAI, full form of which is Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, registration and the basis of the division:

• FSSAI Basic Registration is required for FBOs with a turnover less than Rs. 12 lakh p.a. The registration form is Form A.
• FSSAI State License is mandatory for FBOs with a turnover between Rs. 12 lakh p.a. and Rs. 20 crore p.a. The registration form is Form B.
• FSSAI Central License is necessary for FBOs with a turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore p.a. The registration form is also Form B.

Written By: Shivakshi Huria