FSSAI License Procedure and Guidelines for Hotel Business

FSSAI License for Hotel Businesses

One of the fastest growing industries in India is the food industry and hotels are an integral part of this industry. This is because an increasing number of people are now choosing to dine out. The lifestyles are changing and it is changing fast in metropolitan cities. There are many mouths to which these hotels feed. These include pregnant women, ladies, old aged, and all group of people. Therefore, it is equally important to maintain the quality of food and hygienic practices are provided in these hotels. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it mandatory for all hotels to acquire an FSSAI License to commence its operations in India. This license is subjected to the terms and conditions specified in the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. After the license is acquired, every hotel, restaurant, bar, and cafe must comply with these guidelines.

There is a detailed guideline according to which the hotels can apply for FSSAI License. The process is completely online and requires details and documents online. Once the license is issued, the hotelier will have to apply for a new license, modifications, and a duplicate license whenever required. A license is usually valid for one year only and requires renewal before its expiration. Hotels can apply for either a Central FSSAI License or a State FSSAI License. It is usually valid for one year and renewed thereon.

FSSAI License documents Required for Hotels Industry:

• Identity proof of the hotel owner.
• Address proof of the hotel.
• Valid email id for further correspondence.
• PAN card of the hotel owner.
• Utility bills such as water bill or electricity bill or gas bill.
• Kitchen Layout Plan
• Declaration of Food Safety Management Plan
• Affidavit
• Declaration by Chartered Accountant declaring that the turnover.
• List of food categories being used and served in the hotel.
• Water testing report of the water being used in the hotel from an ISI approved facility.
• No Objection Certificate from the hotel owner, partners, or directors.
• Medical certificates of employees.
• 
  

FSSAI License Procedure for Hotels Industry:

To begin the FSSAI license or registration, it is first important to check the eligibility of a hotel for a registration certificate, State License, or a Central License. One can operate in more than premises or unit existing in multiple districts or states.

FSSAI Central License:

The license is issued by the Central Government. Hotels who have operations in more than one state shall obtain this license. The license shall be obtained at the address of the head office. Moreover, hotels with an annual turnover of more than INR 20 crores can apply for this license. The license can be applied for a tenure of a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years.

Procedure for a Central License Application is as follows:

• The application form for the Central license is available online on the central licensing page as per the format prescribed in the FSSA 2006. An application in Form B has to be submitted by the hotelier to the Licensing Authority i.e. is the central food authority. The details to be filed in the form must be correct and appropriate.
• It is important to write the generic names like coconut oil, flavored milk rather than writing the brand names of the products offered in the hotel (if any).
• The food products must be approved as per the FSSA 2006.
• The next step is to download the form and upload it using a digital signature.
• After the process is coming to an end, the system will ask regarding the time period for which the license is being applied. One will have to choose the appropriate validity period. Depending upon this, a prescribed fee will have to be paid.

FSSAI State License:

Small to medium-sized hotels require to obtain an FSSAI state license. The license is issued by a state government for hotels which have operations in just one state and have an annual turnover of more than INR 12 lakhs. The license can be obtained for a tenure ranging for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years.

Procedure for a State License Application is as follows:

• The State License application form is available online on the State licensing page of the FSSAI website. The application form is provided in accordance with the FSSA 2006.
• All the information provided in the application form must be correct. An application in Form B has to be submitted by the hotelier to the Licensing Authority i.e. is the state food authority.
• The application should be supported by documents that include a self-declaration, an affidavit, and annexure.
• The application fee submitted along with the form shall depend upon the tenure for which the hotelier shall apply. This means that higher the period of the license, higher would be the application fees.
• The license can be renewed by making an application that should be made within 30 prior to the expiry of the license.

FSSAI Registration:

All petty hotels must apply for FSSAI Registrations who have an annual turnover of up to INR 12 lakhs. This is also applicable to roadside hotels, food truck hotels, and other small hotels. The registration is issued by the state government. The license can be obtained for a tenure ranging for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years.

Procedure for applying an FSSAI Registration is as follows:

• In order to apply for registration, a hotelier shall submit an application to the Food and Safety Department.
• Form A has to be submitted for approval with all the correct information provided that should match the documents supporting the application.
• The Department shall decide if the application for registration has to be accepted or rejected. The Department shall intimate the decision in writing within 7 days from the date of submission of the application.
• Once the application is accepted, the registration certificate is issued by the Department. The certificate shall contain the registration number and the photo of the applicant.
• The registration certificate so obtained must be displayed at the hotel premises by the hotelier at the time of carrying out operations.