Cloud kitchens, also popularly known as ghost kitchens or virtual kitchens have gained immense popularity since the covid lockdown. The entire concept is based on the fact that the owner of a cloud kitchen can provide their services online, by preparing the food items at their home or any other office space, which won’t serve the customers. Cloud kitchen provides a chance for small owners and working-class people to start their business ventures. However, every business venture, be it a small roadside shop or a big conglomerate, has to follow compliance with certain government registration. FSSAI Licence registration is one such mandatory registration that you need to get done before you can start your cloud kitchen.
Benefits of FSSAI license registration for cloud kitchen owners
Mandatory to start a business
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (the Act), all food businesses operating in India need to have the approval of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). According to the FSSAI, there are three different types of FSSAI registrations applicable to all food business owners. Usually, cloud kitchen owners come under the FSSAI Basic registration. The other two types are state and central licenses. Having an FSSAI Licence registration will allow you to legally run your cloud kitchen.
Builds Credibility
We know that as the name suggests, ghost kitchens or cloud kitchens are remotely operational. Besides, we’re also aware that trust and faith are most important for any food business as it is directly proportional to health. Having a governmental registration like FSSAI license registration helps in building credibility for small-scale cloud kitchen owners. This helps in building the trust of consumers and then, word of mouth acts in favor of your business.
Get listed on marketplaces
Zomato, Swiggy, etc are food delivery marketplace platforms. These platforms, and more similar ones need cloud kitchen and other restaurateurs to be compliant with the laws and business registration before they list the entities on their platform. So, to get your products, and dishes on Zomato and swiggy, FSSAI license registration will help you!
Ensures safety and maintenance of Health standards
When it comes to the food industry, the main concern of all consumers is health and safety. Especially since the global pandemic hit us, the need for health and hygiene is higher than ever. Even as a food business operator, you must want your customers to have the best quality of food. Having an FSSAI license registration will prove the same.
Process of getting FSSAI license Registration
Mentioned below is the step-by-step guide on the FSSAI license registration process:
Step 1: Choose the license applicable to you
As stated above, there are three types of FSSAI –
- Basic registration – applicable to small food business owners with annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 12 Lakhs.
- State license – applicable to medium-sized business operators – functioning only in one state of India. The annual turnover limit for a state license is more than 12 lakhs but less than Rs. 20 crores.
- Central license – central license applies to all importers, exporters, and big food business operators. When you carry the trade of food in more than one state and when your annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 crores, then the central license applies to you.
Step 2: Collect all required documents
Before you submit the FSSAI Licence registration application, you need to collect all mandatory documents. List of the mandatory documents is as follows:
- ID proof of applicant (with photo);
- Office/premises proof (rent agreement/sale deed/lease deed);
- Plan of the Kitchen Layout;
- List of food items you plan on preparing;
- Municipality No Objection Clearance;
- Declaration (Form B);
- Food Safety Management Plan;
- Water Test Report;
- Machinery list;
- CoI, Letter of establishment, partnership deed (as applicable);
- Details of nominee
Step 3: FSSAI license application
Once you have all the documents required, you need to fill out the FSSAI application form and submit it online by way of the FSSAI website or FoSCos registration portal.
Step 4: Payment of Fees
After submitting the documents and the form, you need to pay the filing fees for it. The fees are applicable based on the type of FSSAI registration applicable to you.
Step 5: Inspection
An officer from the FSSAI dept is allotted to come and review/inspect your premises for cooking food materials. The decision of the inspector is at its sole discretion.
Step 6: FSSAI Registration
If the officer is satisfied with your application. They will issue the approval of your fssai license registration. You will be assigned a 14-digit unique fssai number, which must be printed on all food items being traded by you.
Conclusion
Cloud kitchen businesses are at a peak right now. However, it also becomes a tad bit difficult for them to gain the trust and belief of their target market. As a result of which, having a fssai license registration helps them. With that said, the process of applying for the fssai registration online can get a bit tedious and hassle if you try to do it on your own. However, there are many online certified experts, who will help you obtain FSSAI without any hassles!
