FSSAI License & Certificate Requirement – Use & Purpose

FSSAI license is required in India to ensure food safety, regulate food businesses, and protect public health through legally enforced standards.

FSSAI allows registrations in FSSAI Basic License, State FSSAI License, and Central categories, authorizing businesses to manufacture

, store, distribute, sell, or import food products in India.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, responsible for framing regulations and standardizing food safety norms nationwide.

FSSAI Latest News and Notifications:

1) FSSAI issued draft amendments: in January 2026, proposing changes in return filing, penalties, record-keeping, and stock management norms. Source

2) NDMC removed the health trade licence requirement: FSSAI-registered restaurants can now operate without getting a health licence. Source

Why Was FSSAI Created in India? Roles & Regulation

Indian food laws and regulations faced a problem of an unregulated market. Before FSSAI was created it was hard to check the food safety level of retail food products. There were many different acts for different types of food products. To reduce the risk of unsafe and bring the whole food industry under one single act, the Indian government created FSSAI on 5 September 2008 as Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It unified 7 major food laws into one framework which were:

Earlier Food Law / Order	Year
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act	1954
Fruit Products Order	1955
Meat Food Products Order	1973
Milk and Milk Products Order	1992

Core Values of FSSAI are:

• Laying down science-based food standards

• Regulating manufacture, storage, distribution, import, and sale of food

• Accrediting food testing laboratories

• Advising the Central Government on food safety

• Promoting food safety awareness

Why FSSAI certificate is used for food?

The FSSAI certificate is used to legally validate food businesses and ensure food safety compliance.

For consumers, it indicates:

• Food safety compliance

• Accountability of the seller

• Standardized quality norms

For businesses, it provides:

• Legal permission to operate

• Protection from penalties

• Market credibility

Why is FSSAI license is required today?

FSSAI license is required today because food systems are large-scale, digital, and high-risk without regulation.

Modern food business realities include:

• Cloud kitchens and online delivery

• Packaged and processed foods

• Inter-state and international food trade

FSSAI ensures that public health is protected at scale, not left to informal practices.

Who Requires FSSAI License Registration?

Any entity involved in the food supply chain must obtain FSSAI registration or license.

Food businesses that require FSSAI:

Food Business Type	FSSAI Required
Restaurants & Cafes	Yes
Cloud Kitchens	Yes
Home-based Food Sellers	Yes
Food Manufacturers	Yes
Wholesalers & Distributors	Yes
Online Food Sellers	Yes
Food Importers & Exporters	Yes

The requirement applies regardless of whether food is sold offline or online.

What Is the Legal Use of FSSAI for a Food Business?

The real use of FSSAI is to convert a food activity into a legally compliant business.

Key benefits:

• Mandatory for Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart onboarding

• Prevents business shutdowns and legal action

• Builds customer trust

• Enables expansion and funding opportunities

Without FSSAI, a food business remains legally vulnerable.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration vs License?

FSSAI requirement depends on the size and nature of the business.

• FSSAI Registration: Small or petty food businesses

• FSSAI License: Medium and large food businesses, manufacturers, importers, exporters

This tiered system ensures proportional regulation without overburdening small operators.

What Happens If a Food Business Operates Without FSSAI?

Operating without FSSAI is illegal under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Possible consequences include:

• Heavy monetary penalties

• Immediate closure of business

• Seizure of food products

• Platform delisting

• Legal proceedings

Types of FSSAI License Penalty

Violation	Penalty Outcome
Operating without FSSAI	Fine + closure
Selling unsafe food	Severe penalties
Incorrect food labelling	Monetary fines
Obstructing Food Safety Officer	Legal action
Food adulteration	Criminal liability

Penalties vary based on violation severity and risk to public health.

How to Apply for FSSAI Online Registration

FSSAI registration or license is applied online through the official FSSAI portal.

Step 1: Go to the online FSSAI website fosco.fssai.gov.in.

Step 2: Select the General License option on the home screen.

Step 3: Select the type of license.

Step 4: Register the official mobile number and email id.

Step 5: Upload documents like adhaar card, pan card, etc.

Step 6: Pay the official FSSAI fees and submit the form.

FAQs

Q. Is fssai license mandatory for cloud kitchens?

Ans: Yes, for Cloud kitchens it is mandatory to have a valid FSSAI registration or license to sell food products even without a physical restaurant.

Egg Safety in India: FSSAI Testing Explained | Food License India

In recent days, several news articles and social media videos have raised concerns about the safety of eggs in India. Claims suggesting the presence of banned antibiotics in branded eggs have gone viral, creating confusion among consumers and food business operators alike.

At Food License India, we believe it’s important to separate facts from fear. This article explains what actually happened, what FSSAI has clarified, and what consumers and food businesses should know.

In recent days, several news articles and social media videos have raised concerns about the safety of eggs in India. Claims suggesting the presence of banned antibiotics in branded eggs have gone viral, creating confusion among consumers and food business operators alike.

At Food License India, we believe it’s important to separate facts from fear. This article explains what actually happened, what FSSAI has clarified, and what consumers and food businesses should know.

Why Are Eggs in the News?

The issue began after a viral video claimed that laboratory testing found traces of Nitrofurans, particularly AOZ (a metabolite of Furazolidone), in eggs from a premium brand.

Nitrofurans are antibiotics that are not permitted in food-producing animals in India due to potential long-term health concerns. Naturally, this claim attracted public attention.

What Action Has FSSAI Taken?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) responded by ordering:

1. Nationwide sample testing of eggs

2. Testing of both branded and unbranded eggs

3. Screening for Nitrofuran residues (including AOZ)

This move is part of routine food safety surveillance carried out by FSSAI whenever concerns are raised. Importantly, this does not automatically mean any violation has been confirmed.

Has FSSAI Banned Any Egg Brand?

As of now no egg brand has been banned and no official FSSAI report has declared eggs unsafe

Brands mentioned in viral claims have denied wrongdoing

Several brands have shared NABL-accredited lab reports showing compliance

Final conclusions will only be drawn after official government laboratory results are reviewed.

Which Antibiotics Are Being Tested?

The testing focuses on:

1. Nitrofurans

2. AOZ (Furazolidone metabolite)

These substances are strictly monitored because their use in poultry feed is prohibited under Indian food safety regulations.

Should Consumers Be Worried About Eating Eggs?

At this stage:

1. There is no health advisory asking consumers to stop eating eggs

2. The testing is preventive, not punitive

3. FSSAI has not issued any warning against egg consumption

Consumers are advised to rely on official FSSAI notifications, not unverified social media posts.

What Should Food Businesses Do?

For food businesses dealing with eggs or egg-based products:

• Ensure sourcing from compliant poultry farms

• Get Latest Sample tested from FSSAI recognized labs

• Maintain traceability records

• Display a valid FSSAI food license for egg manufacturing at your premises

• Follow antibiotic residue norms strictly

At Food License India, we regularly help food businesses with:

• FSSAI licensing & registration

• Compliance guidance

• Manufacturing and sourcing compliance

• Food safety audits and documentation

Final Thoughts

Food safety monitoring is an ongoing process in India. While viral content can create panic, only official FSSAI findings should be considered final. At present, the nationwide egg testing drive is a precautionary step, not proof of contamination.

Food License India will continue to share verified, practical, and compliance-focused food safety updates for consumers and businesses.

Need Help With FSSAI License or Compliance?

Connect with Food License India for expert guidance on food licenses, renewals, and regulatory compliance across India.

FSSAI November Updates 2025: News & Regulatory Updates

This November 2025 edition of Food License India-FLI’s comprehensive monthly compliance shows important new development by the Indian regulatory body. FSSAI October 2025 notifications serve as a vital resource for stakeholders in the Food Manufacturing, FMCG Trading, Restaurants, Pharma, Packaging, E-Commerce & Import Export. 

From ORS branding, complaint handling, laboratory updates FSSAI announced critical updates affecting licensing and industry regulations. The month of Diwali also saw FSSAI taking a vigilant approach to crack down on illegal adulterated sweets & dairy products showing strict legal decisions. Foreseeing changing global industry development and international trade FSSAI organized conferences on trade and global leadership. 

These updates are expected to have a critical effect on operational compliance and business growth in the coming months. 

Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Updates

1. FSSAI Bans Use of “ORS” in Beverage Branding

On 14 October 2025, FSSAI announced that no beverage can use the word “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Solution) unless the product fully follows the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for ORS formulation. FSSAI reasoned that many brands sell high sugar content drinks as ORS which raises public health concerns. Showing a strict attitude towards misleading branding FSSAI banned the misleading use of ORS even as part of brand names or labels.

While a PIL was filed in Delhi High Court against the ban, the court refused to uplift the ban. However, affected brands can rebrand their products to start reselling their remaining stocks. As to the stocks already in circulation brands are advised to contact FSSAI for a decision.

Point to Note:

• The branding of drinks or supplements using the word “ORS” is banned by FSSAI anywhere in the name or label.

• Only products that match WHO’s ORS formula can legally use the term.

• Brands lacking the proper formulation can re-brand and re-package to avoid action from FSSAI.

• Action against non-compliance include possible license suspension or legal penalties.

2. FSSAI urges States & UTs to Improve Complaint Handling and Enforcement

At the 48th Central Advisory Committee meeting on 14 October 2025, the CEO of FSSAI asked all States and UT to make their food safety systems stronger. This comment by the regulatory body is part of a broader concern regarding the packaged food quality in the country. In 2024, FSSAI saw more than 33,000 faulty food samples out of 1.7 lac of the analyzed products. 

Specific instructions given to the states include the new instructions include:

• Foster greater accountability by sharing inspection and violation details with FSSAI daily.

• Making sure all food testing labs with modern equipment are properly used and have NABL accreditation.

• Encourage simplifying the licensing/registration process and regulations.

Point to Note:

• State authorities will aim to keep a clear system for customer complaints and record maintenance.

• State players may get to see increased inspection and tight guidelines in the coming months.

• Use approved and accredited testing labs, as FSSAI is closely checking their performance.

3. FSSAI Issues Updated List of Recognized Laboratories

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released an updated list of recognized laboratories across India. This list will contain the validity of NABL accreditation and their contact details.

Various public and private labs are authorized to analyze food samples under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However to keep the reports correct and reduce fraudulent certifications FSSAI revised the list for recognized Laboratories.

Point to Note:

• Verify whether your current testing laboratory appears in the updated list.

• Ensure that your test reports are issued only by FSSAI-recognized and NABL-accredited labs.

• Download the full list from the official FSSAI website under the Laboratories → Recognised Laboratories section.

4. FSSAI’s Festive Vigilance Drive 2025 – Nationwide Crackdown on Adulterated Sweets & Dairy

During September–October 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) carried out a special festive drive across the country to check food safety and prevent adulteration.

The drive was launched to step up inspections during the festive season, when the demand for sweets, snacks, ghee, khoa, paneer, and other milk products increases sharply. FSSAI teams used Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) - mobile food-testing labs - in busy market areas for on-the-spot testing and public awareness. 

All inspection and sampling results were uploaded on the central portal, making this one of the largest festive food-safety monitoring drives conducted in recent years.

Major Enforcement Outcomes:

• In Noida and Ghaziabad, officials seized over 1,100 kg of adulterated sweets and destroyed 145 kg of fly-infested rasgullas ahead of Diwali.

• In Telangana, raids conducted across 95 sweet shops in 33 districts uncovered color-infused sweets, expired stock, and unlabeled bakery items.

• In Hisar (Haryana), authorities seized 8.5 quintals of adulterated mawa (khoya) stored in unhygienic conditions, and initiated legal action against the suppliers.

• In Punjab, over 5,000 kg of paneer and 4,000 kg of milk were destroyed after samples failed food safety tests.

• In Lucknow, adulterated goods worth nearly ₹5 crore were confiscated during a multi-agency raid.

  
  

5. FSSAI’s Enforcement Drive on Spices

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched a nationwide enforcement drive for the spices sector (whole & powdered), scheduled for 1–31 October 2025.

The aim of this drive was to inspect manufacturing units, collect samples, and check compliance with food safety and labeling regulations-especially in light of recent reports of pesticide contamination, adulteration, and ethylene oxide residues in exported spice mixes.

However, on 3 October 2025, FSSAI announced that the enforcement exercise has been temporarily postponed until further notice. Despite this, the regulator continues to emphasize strict vigilance over contaminants and raw-material sourcing to safeguard both domestic consumers and India’s spice export reputation.

Point to Note:

• Buy only from verified suppliers and ensure pesticide-residue tests for each batch.

• Prevent cross-contamination by maintaining segregated zones for cleaning, grinding, blending, and packing.

• Conduct regular product testing through NABL-accredited labs and retain test reports for inspection.

• Ensure label compliance with FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations, 2020, there should be no misleading purity or natural claims.

6. India Strengthens Global Leadership in Spice Standards

In October 2025, India hosted the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) in Guwahati, bringing together 140 delegates from 40 countries. The event, organized by the Spices Board of India under the FAO–WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, showcased India’s growing role in setting global food safety and spice trade standards.

During the session, the Governor of Assam highlighted India’s success in promoting turmeric, cardamom, coriander, and other key spices while encouraging greater value addition and exports from the North-East region.

FSSAI CEO Shri Rajit Punhani emphasized the need for science-based, harmonized standards to ensure consumer safety and promote fair global trade. The discussions also covered new Codex drafts for cardamom, coriander, and vanilla, which will help align Indian exports with international quality benchmarks.

Point to Note:

• India reaffirmed its position as a global leader in the spice sector under the Codex framework.

• FSSAI and the Spices Board are working to align Indian spice standards with Codex norms, making exports smoother and more compliant.

• North-East India is emerging as a new spice production and processing hub, supported by government initiatives.

• The session focused on safe, high-quality, and traceable spices to build global consumer trust.

• Adoption of science-backed standards will open new export opportunities and strengthen India’s global spice brand.