“What is AGMARK?”, “What is FSSAI Mark?”, And the Difference between FSSAI and AGMARK

FSSAI and AGMARK are terms that most of us are acquainted with and use interchangeably. Understanding these certifications and what they signify for you as a consumer is crucial. This article includes information on “What is AGMARK?”, “What is FSSAI Mark?”, Importance of AGMARK and Difference between FSSAI and AGMARK.

Introduction

Quality standards are used to certify products across industries. Licensing food goods is governed by laws such as the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, among others. These ensure that we consume high-quality, non-adulterated products. FSSAI and AGMARK are two of the most recent food safety standards.

Several modifications in food safety regulations resulted from the country’s changing environment, and translating them into each act took a long time, numerous resources, and a substantial amount of effort. The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 was the solution, bringing together all previous acts dealing with food items under one roof. This reorganisation makes it much easier for consumers to keep track of rules and ensure that the quality of food goods in the country does not deteriorate.

What is AGMARK?

AGMARK is a certification mark used on agricultural products in India to ensure that they meet a set of standards set by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, which is part of the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Cooperation which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a government of India agency.

What is FSSAI Mark?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an independent government agency that was established in 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. This organization’s major goal is to regulate and monitor the quality of India’s food industry in order to ensure the safety of food consumed in the country. It verifies and establishes a baseline or standard for all food items, ensuring that they are hygienic and safe to consume.

Know More: Government Fees for FSSAI registration- Explained in detail.

Types of FSSAI License

• Basic FSSAI License

• FSSAI State License

• Central FSSAI License

Importance of AGMARK Registration

• Sense of surety that Your agricultural products are in compliance with the law.

• Agricultural products can be exported to other countries.

• Businesses that sell AGMARK-certified items can take advantage of a variety of government programs and subsidies.

Importance of FSSAI Registration

• FSSAI Registration helps you to legally follow the government’s rules and regulations.

• You can avoid penalties and punishments by registering with the FSSAI.

• By obtaining an FSSAI Registration Certificate, you may create confidence and credibility in the industry.

• The FSSAI Registration logo on your food items and the registration certificate on your business premises help to create a brand image for your company.

• When you export food items, having the FSSAI logo on them helps your business earn the trust from overseas buyers.

Difference between FSSAI and AGMARK

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the full form of AGMARK?

The full form of AGMARK is Agricultural Mark.

2.  Is it compulsory to acquire AGMARK?

The certification is entirely optional. According to the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations of 2006, certification under AGMARK is required for blended edible vegetable oils and fat spreads. Ghee, butter, Spices,Wheat, Besan, mustard oil, and honey are among the commodities recognized under AGMARK for internal commerce.

3.  Who governs AGMARK and FSSAI?

The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, which is part of the Department of Agriculture, has approved AGMARK. FSSAI is a separate government agency.

4.  What is the basic difference between AGMARK and FSSAI?

The main distinction between an AGMARK and an FSSAI license is that the former is a certification and the latter is a government agency. FSSAI Licensing covers all food items, whether agricultural or non-agricultural. AGMARK is an inspection seal issued for agricultural product quality, whereas FSSAI Licensing covers all food items, whether agricultural or non-agricultural.

Conclusion

To ensure the quality of food items, the FSSAI has established science-based standards. It also keeps track of other critical aspects of the food industry, such as storage, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and sanitary standards development. FSSAI also works hard to raise public knowledge about food safety requirements.

FSSAI is a government organization, whereas AGMARK is just a certification mark that applies to the AGMARK product list. AGMARK does not have a grievance redressal option, but FBOs can handle their complaints with their local FSSAI offices.