How to Start a Food Business?

In the recent days, the popularity of Food Business has increased drastically. Many people are trying their luck in this business and are in all way successful as well. The reason for so much increase in the demands of the food business is due the availability of a variety of cuisines all around the globe. The new entrepreneurs are now coming up with exotic Food Business Ideas and also focus on marketing and uniquely executing the foods. It helps in attracting more visitors and creating a strong customer base. The food business requires a lot of hard work and lots of mental pressure as well, but the same company ends up giving a good potential concerning profits for a long run too.

Be it an individual or an organisation, whoever is willing to start a food business must not only focus on the pros and cons of the market instead should give high priority to the registrations and compliance's required to start the Food business as well. Ignoring this might result in significant legal troubles and one may need to shut the business as well.

Do not worry as we will now discuss everything about the Food Business License Requirements in one go. This information will help you to give wings to your Food Business Ideas. Let us examine in every aspect here –

What is Food Business License?

All those organisations and individuals who are not qualified for running a business as a petty food business operator, then they have to apply for Food Business license.

Types of Food Business License/ Registration:

Food license is regulated under FSSAI which has divided it into Three categories –

• Basic FSSAI Registration.

• State FSSAI Licence.

• Central FSSAI license.

Note – the licensing authorities and the charges vary or change based on size and nature of the business.    

FSSAI Registration is required for the businesses who don't know their turnover and are in nascent stage. State FSSAI license is required for the medium size food business whereas Central FSSAI license is needed for a large sized food business.

Food license Requirements are mentioned below. Make sure to follow every requisite without fail –

Here are the lists of documents required for Food Business Registration:

• Form B signed by the proprietor/partner or by the signing authority.

• Blueprint of the processing unit implicating all sorts of measurements concerning both manufacturing and operational unit.

• List of all the directors along with name and address proof in case of a private company

• List of partners along with name and address proof in case of Partnership Company

• List of members along with name and address proof of executive members of the society in case of a co-operative society

• List of trustee along with name and address proof of all the trustees in case of trust.

• List of all the machinery which are going to be used for the business – names, number, capacity, horsepower etc.

• Identity proof and address proof issued by the government authority of proprietor/trustees/society members/partners/signing authority

• List of manufactured food category list

• Authority letter to the responsible or authorised person along with a second responsible person detailing the powers vested with them.

• A complete analysis report of water which is going to use for processing of food.

• Address proof – rent agreement/electricity bill/sale deed etc

• In case of a Private company – MOA, AOA

• In case of co-operative society - Society resolution form and list of chairman and member with address proof

• In case of a charitable trust – Trustee name and certificate

• In case of partnership business –Partnership deed

• Certificate copy under Coop Act 1861

• NOC and license copy of the manufacturer

• System plan or certification of food safety management

• Source of milk including location (if applicable)

• Source raw materials in case of meat and meat processing plants (if relevant)

• Report of pesticide residues

• Recall plan

• NOC from the municipality or local authorities

• 100\% EDU certificate from ministry of commerce

• Turnover supportive proof

• FSSAI issued NOC/PA documents

• DGFT issued IE CODE

• FORM IX

• Certificate issued by the Ministry of tourism applicable for hotels

• Supporting documents for turnover/ self-declaration copy of vehicles

• Declaration form

How to apply for food business registration or what is the process for the same:

Now a food business operator can apply for the license online. Here is the complete guide –

• Visit http://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in and click on Sign-up (Self-care portal)

• Fill up all the details to open a new profile account.

• Once the account is done, open the page for Food Business License Application.

• Enter all the details along with documents uploading.

• After submitted all, recheck the details and documents, once done click on Make payment.

• You will receive a reference number along with “Acknowledgment Receipt”. Take the print of the same.

Here is the list of Food Business Ideas which you can use for your food business or Home-based Food Business as well. Select your preferred company to start over -

• Bakery

• Buffet restaurant

• Catering

• Coffee shop

• Cookie gift

• Cake making

• Dessert making

• Food truck

• Milk and yoghurt store

• Juice shop

• Ice cream shop

• Grocery shop

• Personal chef

• Snacks making

• Online Food Selling

• Backend Kitchen’s to Restaurants.

You can try any of the idea from the lists for which you are passionate about. It will require less investment and will be highly profitable as well. Also in case of Home-based Food Businesses, the liabilities and Documentation are very less and can be obtained easily with the help of right FSSAI Consultant.