I run a restaurant in Howrah — which FSSAI license do I need?

Detailed Legal Analysis

As a restaurant owner in Howrah, you will need to obtain an FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license to operate legally in the food sector.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the type of FSSAI license required depends on the size and scale of your restaurant. Generally, there are three categories of FSSAI licenses:

• Basic Registration: For small businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. This is typically applicable for small food businesses, like small eateries or street food vendors.
• State License: For medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. Most restaurants fall under this category.
• Central License: For large businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore or businesses involved in import/export of food products.

Since you run a restaurant, you will most likely need to apply for a State License unless your business qualifies for the Basic Registration. Here are the steps to obtain the FSSAI license:

• Determine Eligibility: Assess your business size and turnover to identify the appropriate license type.
• Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents such as:
  • Proof of identity and address (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
  • Business registration certificate
  • Menu details
  • Blueprint of the kitchen and layout
  • List of equipment used
• Online Application: Visit the FSSAI online portal and fill out the application form. Pay the applicable fee based on the license type.
• Inspection: An FSSAI official may conduct an inspection of your premises to ensure compliance with food safety norms.
• License Issuance: Upon successful verification, the FSSAI will issue your license, which must be displayed prominently in your restaurant.

It’s essential to remain compliant with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, and ensure that you renew your license as per the stipulated time frame to avoid penalties.