How to get FSSAI product approval?

Introduction

The process by which a product is evaluated by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) to determine that it is safe for use or consumption before it is released into the marketplace is known as FSSAI product approval. The Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 and various Regulations have been used by the FSSAI to establish standards for different types of food throughout India. FSSAI registration is required for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India. FSSAI issues FBOs a FSSAI License or FSSAI Registration that includes a logo and a 14-digit food license number that they must print on their food items or display on their production or restaurant premises.

About FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

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. Food Business Operators (FBOs) must obtain an FSSAI registration or license, before launching any food business in India.

FSSAI Product Approval is Required for Certain Food Products

In general, the following food items or ingredients need FSSAI product clearance or prior permission:

• Health supplements.
• Nutraceuticals.
• Foods used in special diets.
• Foods with specific medical uses.
• Functional foods.
• Food products with probiotics, prebiotics, or botanicals.
• Food products are made with new technologies, new food ingredients, or new food products.
• Products or ingredients that are brand-new or being made available in India for the first time.
• Proprietary product or ingredient.
• Modern additives
• Products and components used in food that contain or have been isolated from bacteria, fungi, yeast, or algae.
• FBOs whose food ingredients or products have not undergone a safety review.
• The existing license holder who is applying to convert to FSSAI Registration/ license without first conducting a product safety evaluation

What are the Basic documents required for FSSAI License?

• Photo Identity of the Food Business Operator.
• Proof of the complete possession of premises (e.g. Rental Agreement ).
• A Partnership Deed or a Certificate of Incorporation.
• List of food products (that would be inputs as well as the final menu) to be dealt with.
• A detailed food safety management plan.

Documents required for the Central FSSAI License  

• Form B duly completed and signed
• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation
• List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
• List of food categories to be manufactured
• An authority letter from the manufacturer nominated a responsible person’s name and address
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
• Source of raw material for milk, meat etc
• Recall plan wherever applicable
• Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU
• NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI
• IE code document issued by DGFT
• Form IX
• Certificate from Ministry of Tourism
• Proof of possession of premises
• Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
• NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
• Food safety management system plan or certificate
• NOC from the municipality or local body
• Supporting document for proof of turnover and transportation
• Declaration form

Documents required for the State FSSAI  Registration/ License  

• Form B duly completed and signed
• Plan of the processing unit showing the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation List of Directors/ Partners/ Proprietor with address, contact details, and photo ID
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used with the number and installed capacity
• List of food categories to be manufactured
• An authority letter from the manufacturer nominated a responsible person’s name and address
• Analysis report of water to be used in the process to confirm the portability
• Proof of possession of premises
• Partnership deed/ affidavit of proprietorship
• NOC and copy of License from the manufacturer
• Copy of certificate obtained under Coop Act 1861/Multistate Coop Act 2002
• Food safety management system plan or certificate

Required Information for FSSAI Product Approval

The following details about the company or product must be included by the FBOs in the product approval application:

• Name, address, phone, and email of the company.
• Type of enterprise.
• Address of manufacturers.
• Method of manufacturing.
• Name of the food item, along with any proprietary names and the names of any additives or ingredients.
• Product’s shelf life.
• A list of the ingredients.
• Label for the food product.
• NABL lab’s certificate of analysis.
• Source or origin of food ingredients.
• Intended usage and its purpose.
• Information on safety.

How to get FSSAI product approval?

The following steps must be taken to acquire FSSAI product approval in India:

1. Incorporation of Business Entities: Any business entity can acquire the FSSAI product approval or prior permission for unspecified food products or ingredients. It grants the right to produce or market a particular good. As a result, it is advised that the business entity be set up as a business or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) before requesting prior authorization.

2. Food Business Operator License: Businesses that manufacture, sell, or handle food products must have an FBO license. The FSSAI FBO license certification must be submitted before asking for food product approval.

3. Test Results: Test results from laboratories certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) should be included with the application for food product approval. The label claims, ingredients, and other aspects of the food product are verified using the NABL lab reports. The FBO must submit a NABL-approved lab test result with their application for product approval, particularly when a food product makes a health claim.

4. Product label for food: The product label should be included in the application for food product approval. Printing the label is not required. It is necessary that the food product label follows the FSSAI Food Product Labeling Standards.

5. Application for the Approval of a Food Product: FBOs can submit their product approval applications online via the FoSCoS website. FBOs can select the state, and food product category, and submit the application along with the necessary documentation on the FoSCoS website by paying the applicable fees.

6. Examining Documents: The food authorities will examine the application and supporting papers after receiving the product approval request. The food authorities may request more documentation or clarifications from the FBOs.

7. FSSAI Product Approval Issue: Based on their evaluation of the food product’s safety, the food authorities can either approve the food product or reject the application. A certificate of analysis regarding the physical, microbiological, chemical, and nutritional aspects of the imported or manufactured food should be submitted by the FBO to the food authorities when authorization has been granted.

Conclusion

A wide range of food products is covered by the FSS Act and Regulations. However, the FSS Act and Regulations do not apply to all food items, ingredients, or new foods that Food Business Operators (FBOs) offer. The FSSAI is in charge of ensuring that standardized food is available throughout India, therefore any food products that are not covered by regulations or the FSS Act need to meet certain requirements.