Food License in West Bengal
A food license is a compulsory legal document that legitimizes food business operators i.e. FBOs. The license is granted by FSSAI by filing a prescribed application and sharing supporting paperwork. As per the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006, every FBO, regardless of annual turnover, operational footprint, and nature, must secure a food license and obey the underlying norms for hygiene, food packaging, labeling, storage, and transportation. This article will guide you on how to secure a food license in West Bengal in detail.
Significance of Food License in West Bengal and its Types
Securing a food license is one way to stay legitimate and transparent within the purview of the FSS Act 2006. Doing so will ensure hassle-free business operations and minimal legal hurdles. Businesses that overlook this license often find themselves in a zone of stringent penalties.
Being a fundamental legal approval, a food license in West Bengal applies to almost all entities serving the food sector. FSSAI has categorized this approval under three major heads, each adhering to distinct eligibility criteria as cited below:
FSSAI Registration
This is a basic registration that covers small businesses such as petty food vendors, roadside eateries, tea stalls, etc. Businesses with annual income less than Rs 12 lacs must apply for this license.
FSSAI State License
FSSAI state permit essentially covers the FBOs with annual turnover ranging from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 20 crores.
FSSAI Central License
This approval typically spans the bigger entities with sizeable production and yearly turnover over Rs 20 crores.
Prerequisites to Met Before Applying for Food License in West Bengal
Applying for Food License In West Bengal is all about complying with various norms regarding product safety, quality, and operation. Essentially, entities seeking food licenses must abide by the following conditions before prompting FSSAI for registration.
- Documenting all processes performed within the facility
- Maintaining log book of essential operations, spanning the entire food supply chain
- Fostering utmost hygiene within the facility
- Performing training sessions for staff regarding food safety and hygiene
- Devising a food safety plan
- Getting potable water tested by a certified lab for purity
- Getting food items tested for adulteration and preservatives.
- Registering firms under prevailing legislation such as Companies Act 2013, LLP Act 2008, or Partnership Act 1932.
Once you have met these conditions, you can apply for Food License In West Bengal online.
Online Process to Apply for Food License in West Bengal
Step 1: Navigate to the FSSAI portal viz. FoSCoS and create a login, if required.
Step 2: From the top menu, a new application
Step 3: Select the area of operation from the available options i.e.
- Tatkal License / Registration
- General
- Railway Station
- Airport/Seaport
Step 4: Select the state of operation followed by the business type i.e. manufacturer, trader, etc
Step 5: Select the sub-business type, reflecting what kind of business you are involved with. For example, dhabas, boarding house food services, slaughtering houses, milk processing units, hotels, canteen, etc.
Step 6: Select the food type and production threshold
Step 7: Select the business turnover
Step 8: Enter the premises details such as CIN number, GST number, etc alongside the address
Step 9: Enter the product details followed by the communication info
Step 10: Lastly, submit the required fee and save the reference number for application tracking.
Step 11: FSSAI will inspect the document and based on the assessment grant the license
Documents Consideration for Food License
| Document Type | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
| Passport-sized photographs | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Identity Proof | Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ PAN Card | Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ PAN Card | Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ PAN Card |
| Address Proof | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement |
| Business Address Proof | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement |
| Form-B signed by Proprietor/ Partner | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| List of Food Products to be handled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blueprint/layout of the processing unit | Not required | Required | Required |
| Name and list of equipment and machinery | Not required | Required | Required |
| List of Directors with full address and contact details | Not required | Required | Required |
| Proof of possession of premises | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement | Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement |
| Partnership Deed/ Affidavit of Proprietorship | Not required | Required | Required |
| NOC from Municipality or local body | Not required | Required | Required |
| FSSAI Declaration Form | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Not required | Required (for companies) | Required (for companies) |
| MOA and AOA (for companies) | Not required | Required (for companies) | Required (for companies) |
| Water Test Report from ISI approved facility | Not required | Required (if applicable) | Required (if applicable) |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Not required | Not required | Required (for importers) |
| Analysis Report (Chemical & Bacteriological) of water to be used in process | Not required | Required (if applicable) | Required (if applicable) |
| Recall plan (if applicable) | Not required | Not required | Required (for manufacturers) |
| Proof of Annual Turnover | Not required | Required | Required |
Mandatory Compliances For Food License Holders
The holder of a Food License In West Bengal must abide by the following norms depending on the registration type:
| Compliance Requirement | Basic Registration | State License | Central License |
| Annual Return | Not required | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Half-Yearly Return | Not required | Not required | Mandatory (for manufacturers of milk and milk products) |
| Food Safety Audit | Not required | Mandatory (for certain high-risk businesses) | Mandatory |
| Maintaining Sanitary and Hygienic Conditions | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Annual Renewal of License | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Updating Changes in Business Details | Within 30 days | Within 30 days | Within 30 days |
| Display of FSSAI License Number | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Periodic Training of Food Safety Supervisor | Not required | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Submission of Food Testing Reports | Not required | Mandatory (if applicable) | Mandatory (if applicable) |
| Record Keeping and Documentation | Basic level | Detailed records | Detailed records |
| Implementation of Food Recall Plan | Not required | Mandatory (if applicable) | Mandatory (if applicable) |
| Display of Food Safety Display Board | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Periodic Medical Check-up of Employees | Not required | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Implementation of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) | Basic adherence | Detailed adherence | Detailed adherence |
| Implementation of GHP (Good Hygiene Practices) | Basic adherence | Detailed adherence | Detailed adherence |
| Licensing and Registration of all vendors/suppliers | Not required | Required | Required |
Conclusion
Food License revolve around myriad legalities that must be met to stay compliant and penalty-free. This guide will ease the blow for you and let you secure the respective license in a hassle-free way. If you seek an expert’s assistance, feel free to connect with Adviso without having a second thought.
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