FSSAI License for Restaurants, Hotels & Caterers: Complete

What is FSSAI and Why Does It Matter?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Its mission is to regulate and supervise the safety, quality, and hygiene of all food products manufactured, stored, distributed, and sold across India.

Before FSSAI, food regulation was fragmented under various laws like the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act. FSSAI unified these systems into a single, science-based regulatory framework, making compliance clearer and enforcement stronger.

Today, FSSAI is responsible for:

Setting food safety standards
Licensing and registering food businesses
Conducting inspections and audits
Running consumer awareness campaigns (like Eat Right India)
Training food handlers and safety supervisors
Monitoring food imports and exports

For any food business operator (FBO), obtaining an FSSAI license or registration is mandatory. This includes restaurants, hotels, caterers, cloud kitchens, home-based bakers, and even street vendors.

Operating without a valid FSSAI license can result in:

Fines up to ₹10 lakh
Imprisonment up to 6 months
Business closure
Permanent damage to brand reputation

In short, no FSSAI license = no legal food business.

Types of FSSAI Licenses: Which One Do You Need?

FSSAI offers three types of licenses and registrations, depending on the scale of your operations and annual turnover. Choosing the right one is critical — apply for the wrong type, and your application may be rejected or delayed.

1. Basic FSSAI Registration (For Small-Scale Operators)

Ideal for petty food operators (PFOs) with small turnovers.

Who needs it?

Street food vendors
Small tea/coffee stalls
Home-based bakers and caterers
Local sweet shops
Juice bars with low volume

Eligibility:

Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakh
Manufacturing capacity: up to 100 kg/liter per day (except milk and meat)
Milk processing: up to 500 liters per day
Meat processing: up to 100 kg per day

Key Features:

Simple online application (Form A)
Minimal documentation
One-time fee of ₹100
No inspection required
Issued within 7 days
Registration number starts with “1”

This is the minimum legal requirement for any small food business, even if you’re operating from home.

2. State FSSAI License (For Medium-Sized Businesses)

Required for businesses operating within a single state with moderate turnover.

Who needs it?

Restaurants and cafes with turnover above ₹12 lakh
Mid-sized hotels with in-house dining
Catering services for events and weddings
Cloud kitchens with dedicated facilities
Food trucks and mobile vendors (if turnover exceeds limit)

Eligibility:

Annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore
Operations confined to one state

Key Features:

Application via FosCos portal (Form B)
Requires detailed documents (layout plan, water test, NOC, etc.)
Subject to inspection by State Food Safety Officer
Fee ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per year (varies by state)
License number starts with “2”
Valid for 1–5 years

This is the most common license for growing food businesses.

3. Central FSSAI License (For Large or Multi-State Businesses)

Mandatory for large-scale, interstate, or export-oriented operations.

Who needs it?

Chain restaurants with outlets in multiple states
Luxury hotel chains (3-star and above)
Food manufacturers supplying across India
Importers and exporters of food items
Airline and railway caterers
Centralized cloud kitchen hubs

Eligibility:

Annual turnover above ₹20 crore
Operations in more than one state
Any business involved in interstate or international food trade

Key Features:

Issued by FSSAI Headquarters (Central Government)
Requires rigorous documentation and compliance
Inspection by Central Food Safety Officer (CFSO)
Annual fee: ₹5,000 (for most) to ₹7,500 (for manufacturers)
License number starts with “3”
Valid for 1–5 years

If you’re planning to scale your restaurant brand across cities, a Central License is essential for your head office, along with State Licenses for each local outlet.

Who Needs an FSSAI License? A Closer Look at Restaurants, Hotels & Caterers

Let’s break it down by business type.

Restaurants

Small Dhabas, Street Stalls, Home Kitchens: Basic FSSAI Registration
Local Restaurants & Cafes: State FSSAI License (if turnover > ₹12 lakh)
Fine Dining & Multi-Outlet Chains: State License per outlet + Central License for corporate office
Cloud Kitchens: State License (mandatory for all brands, even in shared kitchens)

Important: Even if you operate only on Swiggy or Zomato, you must have an FSSAI license. Platforms verify this before onboarding.

Hotels

Budget & Guest Houses: State FSSAI License
3–5 Star Hotels: State or Central License (depending on scale)
Luxury Hotel Chains: Central FSSAI License for headquarters
All F&B Outlets (restaurants, bars, room service, banquet halls) must be covered under the license

Hotels must also ensure that imported food items (like cheese, wine, or specialty ingredients) are declared in their license scope.

Caterers

Home-Based Caterers: Basic Registration
Local Event Caterers: State License
Wedding & Corporate Caterers: State or Central License (based on turnover and client base)
Airline/Railway Caterers: Central License

Caterers must carry a copy of their license to every event and ensure temperature control during food transport.

Benefits of Having an FSSAI License

Beyond legal compliance, an FSSAI license offers tangible business advantages:

1. Builds Consumer Trust

The FSSAI logo on your menu, packaging, or website signals that your food is safe and regulated. Customers are more likely to trust and return to licensed establishments.

2. Enables Online Selling

Zomato, Swiggy, Dunzo, and other food delivery platforms require FSSAI registration for vendor onboarding. No license = no listing.

3. Facilitates Business Expansion

Want to open a second outlet? Franchise your brand? Export samosas to Dubai? You’ll need an FSSAI license to do so legally.

4. Easier Access to Loans & Funding

Banks and investors view FSSAI compliance as a sign of professionalism. It’s often required for business loans, credit cards, and investor pitches.

5. Required for GST & Tax Compliance

During GST audits, tax authorities may cross-verify your FSSAI license. Having both ensures smoother compliance.

6. Protects Against Legal Risks

In case of a food poisoning complaint, having a valid FSSAI license shows due diligence and can reduce liability.

7. Eligibility for Government Tenders

Many corporate and government contracts require FSSAI certification as a bidding criterion.

Documents Required for FSSAI License

The documents vary based on the license type.

For Basic FSSAI Registration:

Aadhaar Card or PAN of the proprietor
Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
Passport-size photograph
List of food items to be handled

For State & Central FSSAI License:

Form B (duly filled and signed)
PAN Card of the business
Photo ID and address proof of owner/director
Certificate of Incorporation (for companies/LLPs) or Partnership Deed
Rent Agreement + NOC from landlord (if rented)
Property Tax Receipt or Electricity Bill (not older than 2 months)
Layout plan of kitchen (showing cooking, storage, packaging areas)
List of equipment and machinery
Water test report from NABL-accredited lab
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan (HACCP-based)
NOC from Municipality or Local Body
Import-Export Code (IEC) – if applicable

All documents must be self-attested. For companies, Form B must be signed by a Director and stamped.

Step-by-Step FSSAI License Application Process (Online)

The entire process is conducted online via the FosCos (Food Safety Compliance System) portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

1: Register on FosCos

Visit the portal
Click “Register”
Select “Food Business Operator (FBO)”
Enter mobile number and email
Verify via OTP

2: Log In and Start Application

Log in with your credentials
Go to “Apply for License/Registration”
Choose the appropriate license type

3: Fill Form B (or Form A for Basic)

Enter business name, address, type (proprietorship, LLP, company)
Provide contact details
Declare annual turnover
List food categories handled
Upload scanned documents (PDF/JPEG, under 5MB)

4: Pay the Fee

Use Net Banking, UPI, or Credit/Debit Card
Save the payment receipt
Fee depends on license type and validity (1–5 years)

5: Submit and Track

Review all details
Click “Submit”
Note your Application Reference Number (ARN)

6: Inspection (If Required)

For State and Central licenses, an FDA officer may visit your premises
Ensure the kitchen is clean, staff are trained, and documents are ready

Step 7: License Issuance

If approved, the license is issued within:
- 7 days for Basic Registration
- 30–60 days for State License
- 60–90 days for Central License
Download and print the license from your FosCos dashboard

FSSAI License Renewal: Don’t Let It Expire!

An FSSAI license is valid for 1 to 5 years. You must renew it before it expires.

Renewal Timeline:

Apply 30–60 days before expiry
Can renew up to 180 days after expiry (with penalty)
After 180 days, you must apply as a new business

Renewal Process:

Log in to FosCos
Go to “Renew License”
Fill the renewal form
Pay renewal fee + late fee (if applicable)
Submit
License re-issued within 15–30 days

Penalties for Late Renewal:

31–90 days late: ₹100 per day
91–180 days late: ₹200 per day
After 180 days: Application treated as new

Operating with an expired license is illegal and can lead to fines and closure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During FSSAI Application

Even small errors can delay or reject your application. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Wrong License Type: Applying for State when you need Central (or vice versa).
Incomplete Form B: Missing turnover, food categories, or contact details.
Blurry or Invalid Documents: Poor scans or expired bills.
Using Residential Address Without NOC: If operating from home, get landlord or society NOC.
Skipping Water Test: Mandatory for State and Central licenses.
Not Updating Changes: Failing to inform FSSAI about new outlets, menu changes, or ownership transfer.
Missing Renewal Deadline: Leads to penalties and operational risks.

FSSAI License Cancellation and Suspension

FSSAI can suspend or cancel your license for:

Repeated violations
Supply of unsafe or adulterated food
False information in application
Not operating from registered address
Failure to renew within 180 days

If suspended, you must stop operations immediately. To reinstate:

File a reinstatement application
Attend a hearing
Submit a corrective action plan
Pay applicable penalties

Compliance Requirements for Restaurants, Hotels & Caterers

Having a license isn’t enough — you must stay compliant.

Mandatory Practices:

Train all food handlers (FSSAI-approved training)
Maintain hygiene (clean uniforms, handwashing, pest control)
Store raw and cooked food separately
Use FSSAI-compliant packaging
Display license number on menus, packaging, and bills
Keep records of suppliers, cleaning, and temperature logs

Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

Required for State and Central license holders. Based on HACCP principles, it includes:

Risk assessment
Monitoring critical control points
Corrective actions
Internal audits

Food Safety Audits and Inspections

FDA officers conduct:

Routine inspections (once a year)
Surprise visits
Complaint-based checks

They verify:

Premises cleanliness
Staff hygiene
Food storage and labeling
Equipment maintenance
Documentation

Prepare by conducting monthly internal audits.

Displaying the FSSAI Logo and License Number

It’s mandatory to display your FSSAI license number and logo on:

Menu cards (physical and digital)
Food packaging (takeaway, delivery)
Website and app listings (Zomato, Swiggy)
Invoices and bills
Kitchen entrance

Format:
“Licensed under FSSAI. License No: 123456789012”

Official FSSAI logo

Using a fake or expired number can result in a ₹5 lakh fine.

Penalties for Operating Without FSSAI License

No license: Up to ₹5 lakh fine + 6 months imprisonment
False labeling: ₹10 lakh fine
Selling unsafe food: ₹10 lakh fine + business closure
Expired license: ₹100/day penalty
Non-compliance during inspection: ₹25,000 fine

Real cases: A Mumbai restaurant was fined ₹2.5 lakh and shut down for 15 days. A Delhi cloud kitchen lost its Zomato listing and faced legal action.

FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchens

Each brand in a shared kitchen must have its own license. The license must cover:

All food items prepared
Delivery packaging
Third-party platforms

The kitchen operator must maintain a master list of licensed brands.

FSSAI License for Caterers

Must include “catering” in food categories
Carry license copy to every event
Maintain temperature control
Dispose of leftovers safely
No reuse of buffet food

FSSAI License for Hotels

All F&B outlets must be covered
Banquet menus should be pre-approved
Imported food/alcohol requires Central License
At least one staff member must be a certified Food Safety Supervisor

Large hotels should appoint an internal FSSAI compliance officer.

When to Hire an FSSAI Consultant?

Consider hiring a consultant if:

You’re confused about license type
Applying for Central License
Facing inspection issues
Need help with FSMS or layout plan
Want to fast-track the process

A good consultant can:

Prepare and file documents
Guide you through inspections
Handle renewals and modifications
Provide ongoing compliance support

How to Choose the Best FSSAI Consultant

Look for:

FSSAI-recognized consultants (verify on FosCos)
Positive reviews and testimonials
Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
Fast turnaround (7–15 days)
Post-license support

Avoid consultants who promise “guaranteed approval” — FSSAI decisions are independent.

FSSAI and GST: Linked Compliance

GSTIN and FSSAI number are often cross-verified
Both required for e-invoicing and business banking
Needed for Zomato/Swiggy onboarding
Keep both details consistent across platforms

Digital Transformation: FosCos, e-Phyto, and More

FSSAI has launched several digital tools:

FosCos Portal: Single window for all applications
e-Phyto Certificate: For food exports
Food Funda Chatbot: Instant FAQs
MyFSSAI App: Track licenses, renewals, and updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I get FSSAI license for a home kitchen?
Yes, if turnover is under ₹12 lakh, apply for Basic Registration.

Q: How long does it take to get FSSAI license?
Basic: 7 days. State: 30–60 days. Central: 60–90 days.

Q: Can I transfer my FSSAI license?
No, but you can modify ownership details.

Q: Is FSSAI required for selling homemade food online?
Yes, mandatory for all online food sellers.

Q: What if my application is rejected?
You can reapply after 30 days with corrections.

Conclusion: Secure Your FSSAI License Today

The FSSAI license is more than a legal formality — it’s a commitment to food safety, customer trust, and business growth. Whether you run a small dhaba or a luxury hotel chain, compliance is non-negotiable.

The process may seem complex, but with the right guidance, you can obtain your license smoothly and focus on what you do best: serving great food.

Don’t risk fines, closures, or lost opportunities. Get your FSSAI license now and operate with confidence.

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