FSSAI License For Canteen

A canteen means a food venture usually established inside premises, like colleges, schools, hospitals, companies, etc. The varieties of food available in these canteens vary based on the business scale. They serve food at a lower price when compared to restaurants and hotels.

A canteen can be run by a company, association or an individual. They need to obtain permission from the premises owner to run their business. They also need to have an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license before they start the business. FSSAI ensures that they serve the best food quality.

Necessity of FSSAI License for Canteens

Canteens are popular, especially amongst office-going people and college students. The safety of food served in canteens depends on the preparation process and quality of ingredients. Many canteens are situated in open-air areas, such as the rooftop of business premises, and are thus exposed to dirt. They were known for maintaining low hygiene standards as only two to three people were preparing and serving food.

FSSAI ensured that canteens satisfy the essential food safety and health requirements. An FSSAI license makes it binding upon the canteens to maintain the food standards. Thus, all canteens, including those in industries and different government offices and departments, must mandatorily obtain an FSSAI license to manufacture and sell food.

FSSAI license makes it mandatory for canteens to follow the Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulations and deliver quality food to customers. Without an FSSAI license, operating a canteen is illegal. 

Types of FSSAI License for Canteens

The types of FSSAI license that a canteen must obtain differs based on the turnover, which is as follows:

• FSSAI Basic Registration – If the annual turnover of a canteen is below Rs.12 lakh, it must obtain the FSSAI Basic Registration. 
• FSSAI State License – If the annual turnover of a canteen is more than Rs.12 lakh, it must obtain the FSSAI State License.

Procedure of FSSAI License for Canteens

The procedure to apply for FSSAI Registration or License by a canteen situated inside premises is as follows:

• Visit the FoSCoS website. 
• Click on the option – ‘Apply/License Registration’ on the homepage.
• Select the state where the canteen is situated from the drop-down menu.
• Click on the ‘Food Services’ option and select the option ‘Club/Canteen’ from the list provided below.
• Select the applicable turnover and click on the ‘Proceed’ button.
• On the next page, click on the ‘Click here to apply for Registration for all businesses’ option or ‘Click here to apply for State License for all businesses’ option.
• Fill the details on the registration form and click on the ‘Save & Next’ button.
• Upload the required documents, pay FSSAI registration fees and submit the registration form.
• The FSSAI authorities will examine the form. If required, they may also inspect the business premises where the canteen is situated.
• The FSSAI authorities issue the FSSAI Registration/License Certificate if they are satisfied that the canteen meets the required criteria. 

The canteen owners can also apply for FSSAI registration/license offline. They should visit the food safety commissioner’s office or food safety officer-in-charge and get the FSSAI registration form, fill it and submit the same with documents. The FSSAI authorities will examine the form and grant the FSSAI Registration/License Certificate.

Documents Required for FSSAI License 

The documents required for obtaining FSSAI Basic Registration are:

• Canteen name and address proof.
• Aadhaar card or identity proof of the canteen owners.
• Details of the food business activity.

The documents required for the FSSAI State License are:

• ID proof of the canteen owners.
• Government registration certificates, such as firm registration, GST registration number, panchayath license, municipality license, corporation license, etc.
• When the applicant is a company or partnership firm, they should give the Memorandum and Article of Association or partnership deed, respectively.
• Declaration form.
• Nature of food business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a canteen business?

You can start a canteen business by tying up with industries, companies or schools. You can open a canteen in a business or industrial premises. You need to obtain the FSSAI license to start a canteen business.
 

Does homemade food require an FSSAI licence?

Yes, if you want to sell homemade food to the public, you will require an FSSAI license.
 

What is the checklist for obtaining an FSSAI canteen license?

Following is the checklist for obtaining an FSSAI canteen license:

• Canteen name poof
• Canteen address proof
• Aadhaar or PAN card of the canteen owner 
• Details of the food activities

What are the FSSAI requirements for the canteen?

The requirements for obtaining the FSSAI license are as follows:

• Food hygiene and food standards as per the FSS Act
• Canteen name poof
• Canteen address proof
• Aadhaar or PAN card of the canteen owner 
• Details of the food activities

What is the FSSAI license for the industrial canteen?

FSSAI License for industrial canteen is an FSSAI license obtained by canteens running inside industries. There was improper and deficient nutrition for the industrial workers. Most factories and industrial units had shabby canteens with barely nutritious food. Thus, in 2006, FSSAI made it mandatory for industrial canteens to meet basic health and safety standards by obtaining the FSSAI License.
 

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