Index 

1. What Is A Cloud Kitchen? 
2. What Is FSSAI?
3. What Are The Types Of FSSAI License? 
4. What Are The Steps To Obtain A FSSAI License?
5. How Many Days Does It Take To Obtain A FSSAI Licence? 
6. What Steps To Take When If Application Is Rejected For Basic Or State FSSAI License?
7. What Steps To Take If Application Is Rejected For Central FSSAI License? 
8. What Are The Steps To Ensure Your Cloud Kitchen Business Meets All FSSAI Food Safety Standards?
9. What Are The Penalties If One Does Not Comply With FSSAI Regulations? 
10. What Is The Difference Between Basic, State, and Center FSSAI Licenses? 
11. Is It Compulsory To Display The FSSAI Licence Number On All Food Products? 

What Is A Cloud Kitchen? 

A cloud kitchen, also known as a ghost kitchen or virtual kitchen, is a commercial kitchen space that provides food businesses with the facilities and services needed to prepare meals for delivery and takeout, without the need for a traditional dine-in restaurant. These kitchens typically serve multiple brands or restaurants and rely on online orders through delivery apps. This model allows businesses to reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical dining space.

What Is FSSAI? 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the regulatory body that oversees food safety and quality throughout the country. Obtaining an FSSAI license is mandatory for anyone operating in the food industry, including cloud kitchens. This license ensures that your kitchen adheres to the hygiene and safety standards established by the government.

 

What Are The Types Of FSSAI License? 

1. Basic FSSAI Registration: This is required for small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 12 lakhs.
2. State FSSAI License: This applies to medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 20 crores.
3. Central FSSAI License: This is necessary for large businesses with an annual turnover above Rs. 20 crores or for businesses operating in multiple states

What Are The Steps To Obtain A FSSAI License? 

Step one:

The first step is to determine the appropriate type of FSSAI license for your cloud kitchen based on your expected turnover. Most new cloud kitchens will likely need either a Basic Registration or a State License.

Step Two:

Before beginning the application process, ensure you have all the necessary documents, which typically include:

1. Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport)
2. Address proof (electricity bill, water bill, or rental agreement)
3. Proof of business ownership (company registration certificate, partnership deed, etc.)
4. Food Safety Management System plan
5. Passport-sized photographs of the business owner(s)

Step Three:

Create an Account on the FSSAI Website.

Visit the FSSAI official website and create an account by providing basic details about your business and setting up a username and password.

Step Four:

After registering, log in to your account and complete the application form. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the information you’ll need to provide:

1. Business details: Name, address, and contact details of your cloud kitchen.
2. Type of business: Select ‘cloud kitchen’ from the list of business types.
3. Product details: Specify the types of food products you will be handling and selling.
4. Annual turnover: Indicate your expected annual turnover to determine the required license type.

Step Five:

Scan and upload all necessary documents. Ensure they are accurate and legit to avoid any delays in the approval process.

Step Six:

The application fee varies depending on the type of license:

1. Basic FSSAI Registration: Rs. 100 per year
2. State FSSAI License: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per year
3. Central FSSAI License: Rs. 7,500 per year

You can make the payment online through the FSSAI portal.

Step Seven:

After completing the form and paying the fee, carefully review your application. Once everything is correct, submit the application. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt with an application reference number.

How Many Days Does It Take To Obtain A FSSAI Licence? 

1. The processing time for an FSSAI license application can vary depending on the completeness of the application and the workload of the FSSAI authorities. 
2. It typically ranges from 15 to 60 days for the FSSAI to review the application, conduct an inspection, and issue the license. 
3. During this time, an FSSAI inspector will visit the cloud kitchen premises to verify the application details and assess compliance with food safety standards. 
4. Upon successful inspection and confirmation of compliance, the FSSAI will issue the license certificate featuring a unique 14-digit license number. 

 

What Steps To Take When If Application Is Rejected For Basic Or State FSSAI License?

1. File a reactivation request with the State Food Safety Commissioner within 3 months of the rejection.
2. A designated officer will review the case on merit. Within 30 days of receiving the request, they will send their findings to the RC Division via email.
3. The designated officer’s recommendation will be forwarded to the IT division for reactivating the application.
4. The IT division will reactivate the relevant application and share the information with the DO/CFS under intimation to RCD.

What Steps To Take If Application Is Rejected For Central FSSAI License? 

1. Apply to the FSSAI Regional Office within 6 months of the rejection date.
2. The Regional Office director will examine the case and forward their recommendation to the Regional Compliance Division (RCD).
3. The RCD will investigate based on the recommendation. The Executive Director of RCD will make the final decision on approving the request.
4. If approved, the RCD will direct the IT Division to reactivate the application.
5. In critical cases, the FBO can directly approach the FSSAI headquarters where the CEO will examine the matter.

 

What Are The Steps To Ensure Your Cloud Kitchen Business Meets All FSSAI Food Safety Standards?

1. Obtain the required FSSAI license based on your annual turnover.
2. Implement good hygiene practices at your cloud kitchen premises.
3. Use only FSSAI approved food additives and ingredients that meet the prescribed standards for identity and composition. Avoid using any banned substances.
4. Ensure proper labeling of all food products with the FSSAI license number, ingredients list, nutritional information, and other mandatory declarations as per the regulations.
5. Conduct periodic testing of food samples at FSSAI notified laboratories to verify compliance with microbiological, chemical and other safety standards.
6. Maintain proper records of raw materials, production, testing, storage and distribution as required under the FSSAI regulations.
7. Undergo regular audits and inspections by FSSAI officials to assess compliance. Promptly address any issues or non-conformities identified.

 

What Are The Penalties If One Does Not Comply With FSSAI Regulations? 

The key penalties for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations are:

1. For petty food business operators, the penalty for non-compliance under Section 50 shall not exceed ₹25,000.
2. Individuals who manufacture, store, sell, distribute or import sub-standard food intended for human consumption can face a penalty up to ₹5 lakhs.
3. For misbranded food, the penalty can extend to ₹3 lakhs. The Adjudicating Officer may also issue a directive to rectify mistakes or destroy the food article.
4. Misleading advertisements can attract a penalty up to ₹10 lakhs.
5. Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license can lead to imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine of up to ₹5 lakhs.
6. Unsanitary food processing or manufacturing can invite a penalty up to ₹1 lakh.
7. Food containing extraneous matter can attract a penalty up to ₹1 lakh.
8. Selling food that does not meet quality standards can lead to a penalty not exceeding ₹5 lakhs.
9. Food Safety Officers found guilty of offenses can be penalized up to ₹1 lakh.

 

What Is The Difference Between Basic, State, and Center FSSAI Licenses? 

The differences between Basic, State, and Central FSSAI licenses:

Basic FSSAI Registration:

1. Applies to petty food business operators with annual turnover less than ₹12 lakhs
2. Obtained through a simple online application process
3. Requires a one-time registration fee of ₹100

FSSAI State License:

1. Required for medium-sized food businesses with annual turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores
2. Issued by the state-level FSSAI authority where the business is located
3. Valid for 1-5 years, with periodic renewal required

FSSAI Central License:

1. Mandatory for large food businesses with annual turnover over ₹20 crores
2. Issued by the central FSSAI authority, not state-level
3. Allows operation across multiple states
4. More stringent application process and higher fees compared to state license
5. Valid for 1-5 years, with periodic renewal required

Is It Compulsory To Display The FSSAI Licence Number On All Food Products? 

Displaying the FSSAI license number on all food products and marketing materials is mandatory to indicate adherence to food safety regulations.