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

Detailed Legal Analysis

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

The type of FSSAI license required depends on the scale of your restaurant. Here are the three categories of FSSAI licenses:

• Basic FSSAI Registration: This is for small food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. If your restaurant is a small establishment, you can apply for this registration.
• State FSSAI License: Required for medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores. If your restaurant falls into this category, you need to obtain a State license.
• Central FSSAI License: This is necessary for large food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or those operating in multiple states. If your restaurant has a substantial turnover or is part of a larger chain, a Central license will be required.

To apply for the FSSAI license, follow these steps:

• Determine the Type of License: Assess your annual turnover and business size to choose the appropriate license category.
• Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents such as:
  • Identity proof of the applicant (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.)
  • Business registration certificate
  • Address proof of the business premises
  • Food safety management plan
  • List of food products to be sold
• Online Application: Visit the FSSAI official website and fill out the application form corresponding to the license type. Ensure to upload all required documents.
• Application Fee: Pay the applicable fee based on the type of license. The fee structure is detailed on the FSSAI website.
• Inspection (if applicable): For State and Central licenses, an inspection may be conducted by FSSAI officials at your restaurant.
• License Issuance: Once approved, you will receive your FSSAI license, which must be displayed prominently in your establishment.

For further guidance, refer to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which outline the requirements and procedures for obtaining the FSSAI license.