Food License in Maharashtra
A food license is a basic legal approval for running a food establishment in India regardless of business nature and operational footprint. Food license in Maharashtra or anywhere else falls under the legislation viz. Food Safety and Standards (FSS Act 2006). This registration is issued by the authority namely FSSAI, which stands for Food Safety Standards Authority of India. Let’s look closely at what it takes to secure an FSSAI license in Maharashtra in detail.
Types of Food License in Maharashtra
FSSAI grants three types of approvals: Basis registration, State License, and Central license. The applicability of each license differs based on the annual turnover and operational footprint of the business. Let’s find out what these licenses are all about and their conditions:
FSSAI Registration:
It spans business or food establishments, regardless of nature, earning an annual income of less than Rs 12 lacs. This implies that this registration regulates small businesses such as petty food vendors, dhabas, roadside eateries, tea stalls, etc.
FSSAI State License:
This license is mandatory for food businesses earning annual income ranging from 12 lacs to 20 crores.
FSSAI Central License:
FSSAI Central license is among the most expensive FSSAI approvals that span businesses earning annual turnover exceeding Rs 20 crores. This signifies that this approval applies to larger businesses such as hotel chains, sizable production units, packaging facilities, etc.
Depending on which turnover bandwidth your business fits in, you need to apply for a relevant Food License in Maharashtra online.
How to apply for a Food license in Maharashtra online?
Applying for a Food license in Maharashtra requires filing an online application on the FSSAI’s portal viz. FoSCoS. Once you hop onto the portal, follow the given instructions for a seamless filing:
- Head to the application to apply for a Food License
- Enter the nature of business followed by the apt turnover criteria
- The e-form shall appear on your screen. Fill out the relevant details without compromising the accuracy or legitimacy.
- Enter details including business name, address, directors/partners details, annual production, etc. depending on the business type and operation
- Upload the supporting documents as cited in the next section in the prescribed format.
- Once you are redirected to the payment page, complete the fee submission formalities depending on the license type you have chosen.
- Secure the acknowledgment number for future reference.
Post receiving the application, the FSSAI shall vet the paperwork thoroughly to identify potential loopholes or non-compliance. Any error shall lead to the authority to cancel the application, compelling the applicant to follow the entire process again.
Document consideration for Food license in Maharashtra
Depending on the license type you seek, keep the following paperwork handy before applying online:
For Basic FSSAI Registration:
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhar card, Voter ID, Driving license).
- Proof of address (e.g., Utility bill, Rent agreement).
- Business details (name, address, type of business).
- Form A completed and signed.
For State FSSAI License:
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhar card, Voter ID, Driving license).
- Proof of address (e.g., Utility bill, Rent agreement).
- Proof of possession of premises (e.g., Sale deed, Rent agreement).
- Partnership deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship (if applicable).
- MOA and AOA (Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association) in case of a company.
- List of food products to be handled.
- Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit.
- Food safety management system plan or certificate.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the municipality or local body.
- Form B completed and signed.
For Central FSSAI License:
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhar card, Voter ID, Driving license).
- Proof of address (e.g., Utility bill, Rent agreement).
- Proof of possession of premises (e.g., Sale deed, Rent agreement).
- Partnership deed/Affidavit of Proprietorship (if applicable).
- MOA and AOA in the case of a company.
- List of food products to be handled.
- Blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit.
- Food safety management system plan or certificate.
- No Objection Certificate issued by the municipality or local body.
- Form B completed and signed.
- Analysis report of water issued by the recognized public health lab.
- Source of raw material for milk/meat, if applicable.
- Recall plan wherever applicable.
- Certificate from Ministry of Tourism (applicable only for hotels).
- NOC from FSSAI for imports.
Compliances to be Followed by Holders of the Food license in Maharashtra
- Maintain utmost hygiene within the premises and storage areas.
- Displaying the FSSAI license number is mandatory on the product’s packaging and promotional materials.
- Deploying a Food Safety Management System by considering HACCP principles.
- Adhering to FSSAI guidelines for food packaging is a mandate.
- Avoid adulteration and contamination of food products at all costs. Any non-conformity could lead to stringent penalties, which may involve hefty monetary fines and prolonged jail terms.
- The use of pesticides and contaminants should not exceed the prescribed limits.
- Dealing with novel food products or ingredients requires applying for FSSAI approval.
- The packaging material should be food-grade meeting FSSAI norms.
- Ensuring unwavering assistance to FSSAI officials is paramount when underground inspection
- Documenting key processes and material supply chain is mandatory.
- The staff must be aware of food safety practices and hygiene standards. Conduct training if required.
- Maintaining an apt temperature is vital to ensure the recommended shelf life of edible items.
Conclusion
As evident that applying for a Food License in Maharashtra requires adherence to several legalities such as conducting food tests, securing hygiene reports, documenting processes, filing online applications, arranging supporting paperwork, etc. In a nutshell, securing FSSAI approval is a matter of dealing with myriad compliances.
Therefore, availing of expert help becomes paramount in such events. With Adviso, you can expect seamless processing of an application, hassle-free document arrangement, and 100% adherence to legalities, ensuring swift grant of license.
Read Our Article: How To Secure A Food License In Delhi?
