FSSAI Certification for Food Businesses

Overview of FSSAI Certification for Food Businesses

The FSSAI certification is crucial for food business operators (FBOs) in India. The cost depends on the type and size of the business. FBOs need to submit documents and pass inspections conducted by Food safety officers.

FSSAI certification process requires the FBO to submit identity proofs, address proofs, and business registration documents on the FSSAI online portal. The certificate is provided after through scrutiny and inspection. Applicants can download their FSSAI certificate directly from the FSSAI portal. This serves as proof of compliance with food safety regulations and is essential for operating legally in the food industry. FBOs can also check the status of their certificate application online using the certificate number provided during the application process.

Introduction to FSSAI Certification

As per the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, under Section 16(3)(h), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI, is subject to providing training programs and certifications in food safety and standards for individuals who conduct food businesses or intend to get expertise in food science, whether as food business operators or employees. July 2017 saw the launch of the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program by FSSAI. The FoSTaC program focuses on the FSSAI certification process to create food safety supervisors who are well trained in food hygiene and manufacturing practices.

The outline of the program was created with the objective of enhancing the availability of skilled and trained manpower in the food industry and creating an improved ecosystem where individuals continue to be self-reliant and self-compliant with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. It was launched to make sure that the individuals involved in the food business are aware of the rules and regulations and to bring about behavioural change and a culture of food safety in the country.

Understanding Different Types of FSSAI Certifications

Apart from outlining the criteria for FSSAI registration (central and state licenses), they also initiate certificates for the food safety and standard license and registration regulations of 2011. According to the schedule, a group of subject matter experts encompassing the whole food value chain have started 25 certification courses on food safety compliance. The structure of the certification course is primarily classified into three stages, namely basic, advanced, and awareness. The basic courses cover: Manufacturing, distribution and retail, storage and transportation, and catering are all included in this course. Level 1 bakery, midday meals, and integrated child development services are further subdivided under chartering. The advanced courses cover: Catering, retail and distribution, storage and transport, manufacturing, along with the point of sale of health supplements, the manufacturing of milk-related products, animal meat and meat products. The program covers the production, storage, and transportation of alcoholic beverages; edible oils and fats; packaged water and water-based beverages; fish and fish products; poultry, meat, and other products; and organic food products. It also covers level 2 courses in baking. The awareness program provides insights into startup courses, street food vending, and COVID-19 outlines. Here is a complete outline of the courses and the duration:

• Basic Catering covers General and COVID with a course duration of 4 hours.
• Advance Catering covers General and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
• Advance Manufacturing covers poultry meat, meat products, and COVID with a course duration of 8 hours
• Advance Retail and Distribution, covering General and COVID, with a course duration of 8 hours
• Awareness covering COVID-19 (integrated with all the basic and advanced courses as well) with a course duration of 2 hours

The Application Process for FSSAI Certification

The certification program is delivered in a cascade fashion. To begin, the trainers are trained by exceptional national resource individuals, and then the trainers go on to train hundreds of food safety supervisors. After that, food handlers receive direct training from the food safety supervisor on the food business premises.

The application has to be filled out on the official website of FoSTaC. Post-registration, the individual is provided with a valid FoSTaC certificate issued directly under the FSSAI. As required by Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Regulation, 2011, they will be referred to as food safety supervisors and trained in hygienic and good practices that must be adhered to by all operators of food businesses.

Eligibility for FoSTaC Courses

The overall eligibility criteria differs based on the level of the courses. Here is a complete outline of the same:

• For Basic and Awareness Courses

  • In the case of food handlers, supervisors or other individual employees involved in petty food businesses, they must pass out of class 5 and don't require any prior experience
  • For students and others who are planning to initiate a food business, education in the relevant field, along with 10th and +2 past certificates in a science background, is a must
  • No relevant experience is required for the basic and awareness courses.

• For Advanced and Sector-specific Courses

  Food handlers or supervisors and individuals employed in food businesses having a state or central license and planning to apply for sector-specific courses on high-risk foods such as milk, meat, and water should satisfy the following criteria:

  • A degree in science with a focus on chemistry, biochemistry, food and nutrition, microbiology, or food technology is required of the applicant
  • The degree or diploma should be from a recognised university institute or equivalent, with one year of experience in a supervisory role.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The first step is to register yourself as a trainee on the official website.

• Step 1: Visit the official website of FoSTaC

  • Browse for how I will become a train food safety supervisor
  • Select the Register as a trainee option. Now a trainee registration form opens
  • Enter your name, gender, parents name, district, city, email, mobile number, and date of birth
  • Select the criteria, whether it is with or without a license, enter the business address and state pin code, and choose the ID type
  • Subsequently, add your qualifications. Solve the captcha and click register.

• Step 2: login with an ID and Password

  • After registration, a user ID and password are provided on the registered mail address
  • You can login as a normal user or as a state administrator, enter the credentials, resolve the captcha, and click login.

• Step 3: Enrol in a FoSTaC Course

  After logging into the portal, select the required information, choose the course, and enrol. The next step is to attend the FoSTaC training, submit the assessment and feedback form, and post-assessment, a food safety supervisor certificate will be provided.

Documentation and Requirements

The following documents have to be submitted by the applicant to register for a course in FoSTaC:

• A photo of the applicant
• Government-issued photo IDs such as AADHAAR, PAN, and voter ID
• Proof of Address of Business Activity (if address is other than as mentioned in Photo ID Card)

Renewal and Compliance

FSSAI license renewal and registration are crucial to staying compliant with FSSAI. To initiate the renewal process, there are two methods available: Through login and via the homepage. Here is a detailed process of the same:

• Through Login:

  • Log in to your account and choose the ‘Renewal’ section
  • Choose ‘Apply for renewal of license/registration’ option
  • Choose ‘Apply for renewal of license/registration’ option
  • Complete Form B, fill in application details, where certain sections are editable while others are not
  • Upload mandatory documents and make the payment based on the selected renewal period
  • A 17-digit registration number will be produced for future use following a successful payment

• Alternatively, you can do it on the Homepage by following these steps:

  • Click the ‘Renewal of License and Registration Fee: Same as new Lic/Reg’ box on the webpage
  • Click ‘Submit’ after entering the license/registration number, validity end date, and captcha code
  • Proceed to Form B, where documents can be uploaded, renewal period selected, and payment method chosen
  • A receipt with a 17-digit reference number will be generated after the payment is done
  • Using the number you can track the application status through the homepage

• Please note:

  • A list of licenses and registrations can be renewed 120 days before they expire
  • Only the renewal fees are incurred if the application is submitted 90 days before the expiration date
  • In addition to renewal fees, a fine of ₹100/day is applied after 90 days