FSSAI GUIDELINES EVERY FOOD BUSINESS MUST FOLLOW

FSSAI Guidelines Every Food Business Must Follow

FSSAI Guidelines Every Food Business Must Follow

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In India, the safety of food is very important because it directly affects the health of the people. To make sure that everyone gets clean, safe, and good-quality food, the government has made rules for all food businesses. These rules are made by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Whether your business is big or small, whether you sell food at a shop, in a restaurant, online, or from home, you need to follow the FSSAI Registration Online guidelines.

In this article, we will explain the FSSAI rules and guidelines in simple words so that every food business owner can easily understand what to follow and how to run their business legally and safely.

What is FSSAI?


FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government body that works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its job is to set rules and regulations for the food industry in India and to make sure that food is safe to eat. FSSAI issues food licenses and monitors food businesses to check if they are following the rules.

Why Are FSSAI Guidelines Important?


FSSAI guidelines are important because:

  • They make sure the food we eat is safe, clean, and free from harmful substances.


  • They help protect customers’ health.


  • They guide food businesses on how to maintain hygiene, cleanliness, and food quality.


  • They prevent food adulteration and contamination.


  • They provide legal protection to food businesses if they follow the rules properly.


  • They help in gaining the trust of customers and growing the business legally.


FSSAI Guidelines Every Food Business Must Follow


Let’s now look at the key FSSAI guidelines that all food businesses in India must follow.

1. FSSAI Registration or License is Mandatory


Every food business in India, whether small or large, must have a valid FSSAI registration or license. It is illegal to run a food business without this. The type of license you need depends on the size and turnover of your business:

  • Small businesses need Basic FSSAI Registration.


  • Medium-sized businesses need a State License.


  • Large businesses need a Central License.


2. Maintain Hygiene and Cleanliness


FSSAI has clear rules about cleanliness. Food businesses must:

  • Keep the kitchen, shop, or manufacturing area clean.


  • Use clean utensils, equipment, and surfaces.


  • Have separate areas for raw and cooked food.


  • Make sure employees handling food are clean and healthy.


  • Store food in clean, dry, and hygienic conditions.


  • Dispose of waste and expired food properly.


3. Proper Storage of Food


Food businesses must store food items at the correct temperature and conditions. This helps in keeping the food fresh and prevents spoilage. FSSAI guidelines say:

  • Perishable items like milk, meat, and vegetables should be stored in refrigerators.


  • Dry food like grains, pulses, and spices should be kept in clean, moisture-free containers.


  • Raw and cooked foods should not be stored together.


  • Expired and spoiled food must be separated and discarded immediately.


4. Use Safe and Approved Ingredients


FSSAI strictly bans the use of harmful, banned, or substandard ingredients. Businesses must:

  • Use only FSSAI-approved food additives and colors.


  • Avoid using artificial or harmful chemicals.


  • Check expiry dates before using ingredients.


  • Avoid any kind of food adulteration.


  • Source ingredients from licensed and reliable suppliers.


5. Labeling and Packaging Rules


FSSAI has strict rules for packaging and labeling of food products. Every packaged food item must have a label with clear information such as:

  • Name of the food product.


  • Ingredients used.


  • Net weight or quantity.


  • Manufacturing date and expiry date.


  • Nutritional information.


  • FSSAI license number.


  • Customer care details.


  • Storage instructions.


6. Regular Medical Check-ups of Food Handlers


All people working in food businesses who directly handle food must be:

  • Healthy and clean.


  • Free from contagious diseases.


  • Wearing clean uniforms, head covers, gloves, and masks.


  • FSSAI advises periodic health check-ups and medical fitness certificates for food handlers to avoid food contamination.


7. Avoid Food Adulteration


Food adulteration is the mixing of harmful or inferior quality substances in food. It is a criminal offense under FSSAI rules. Businesses must ensure:

  • No artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives are added without approval.


  • No harmful chemicals are used to ripen fruits or vegetables.


  • No expired or spoiled food is served or sold.


  • No mixing of low-quality or unsafe materials.


8. Follow Food Transportation Guidelines


If your business involves the transportation of food, FSSAI advises:

  • Vehicles should be clean and suitable for carrying food.


  • Perishable foods should be transported in refrigerated vans.


  • No harmful or toxic items should be transported with food.


  • Food must be properly packed to avoid contamination during transportation.


How to Stay Updated with FSSAI Guidelines


FSSAI updates its rules and safety standards from time to time. Food businesses must:

  • Regularly visit the FSSAI website.


  • Follow official food safety updates.


  • Attend food safety training programs.


  • Stay connected with local food safety officers.


  • Renew licenses on time.


Suggested read: FSSAI license Renewal in India

Conclusion


FSSAI guidelines are made to protect the health of people by ensuring food safety and hygiene. Every food business in India — big or small — must strictly follow these rules. Getting an FSSAI license, maintaining cleanliness, using safe ingredients, following labeling rules, and keeping food safe during storage and transport are some of the important steps for running a food business legally and successfully in India.

Following these guidelines not only saves your business from legal trouble but also helps build trust with customers, improve brand reputation, and grow your food business.

 

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