Starting a food business in India—whether it’s a roadside stall, a home-based kitchen, or a large restaurant chain—requires proper licensing, and FSSAI registration is a critical legal step. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the governing body that oversees food safety and hygiene standards across the country. Anyone engaged in activities like food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale must obtain FSSAI Certificate or licensing to operate lawfully.
FSSAI issues licenses to Food Business Operators (FBOs), ensuring they adhere to defined safety protocols and quality benchmarks. The type of license or registration required depends on various factors such as the scale of the business, the type of food handling involved, and the geographical reach of operations.
Upon successful registration, businesses are issued a 14-digit FSSAI number, which must be displayed on all food packaging. This unique number allows for easier monitoring and helps verify that the product complies with national food safety standards.