Your business must maintain proper safety, hygiene, and quality of products in India. The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) ensures that. Dairy and bakery owners must comply with these guidelines to operate legally and maintain high food safety standards. In this blog, we provide an in-depth guide on FSSAI requirements, hygiene, licensing procedures, and compliance checklists for dairy and bakery businesses.
FSSAI Requirements for Dairy Businesses in India
Dairy Business License
Any dairy business, depending on their production, processing, distribution, storage and sale of dairy products must obtain an FSSAI license. Businesses must apply for one of the following:
- FSSAI Basic Registration (for small businesses with an annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakh). The applicant must fill out Form A to obtain FSSAI basic registration
- State FSSAI License (for medium businesses with turnover between Rs. 12 lakh but less than Rs. 20 crore). The applicant must fill out Form B to obtain an FSSAI State License
- Central FSSAI License (for large businesses with turnover above Rs. 20 crore). The applicant has to fill to obtain FSSAI central license registration is Form B.
FSSAI Guidelines for Dairy Products
Hygiene & Safety Norms: Dairy businesses must follow hygiene protocols, including regular sanitation of processing equipment and storage units.
Packaging & Labeling: Dairy products must be labeled as per FSSAI packaging and labeling guidelines, mentioning details such as ingredients, nutritional facts, FSSAI license number, expiry date and manufacturing date with FSSAI logo stamp on the product.
Food Safety Norms for Milk & Dairy Processing: Milk pasteurization is mandatory, and facilities must ensure a proper cold chain to prevent contamination.
Compliance Checklist for Dairy Manufacturers:
- Proper milk procurement from FSSAI-approved sources
- Temperature control measures for storage and transportation
- Regular quality testing for bacterial contamination
- Proper waste disposal mechanisms, including FSSAI-compliant waste segregation and disposal methods
How to Register a Dairy Business under FSSAI?
- Visit the FoSCoS FSSAI online portal and login or sign up with the required details.
- Choose the type of FSSAI license based on turnover and business scope.
- Fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents. There are two types of forms. Form A and Form B. Form A is for registration and Form B is for a license. Select the form according to your business type requirements. Pay the registration fee and submit the application. The annual charges are as follows:
Basic registration is ₹100 per annum
A state license is ₹2000 to ₹5000 per annum, depending on production capacity.
Central license is ₹7500 to ₹25000 per annum, depending on production capacity.
Pay for the kind of certification you are applying for.
- Upon verification, FSSAI will issue the license within 30-60 days. After verification and validation of all your documents, basic registration take 7-10 days, while state and central license may take up to 30 days.
FSSAI Requirements for Bakery Businesses
Bakery FSSAI Rules & Food Safety Norms
Bakeries, whether small home-based setups or large commercial enterprises, must adhere to FSSAI guidelines to ensure hygiene and food safety.
Bakery Hygiene Rules:
- Use only FSSAI-approved ingredients.
- Keep the production area clean.
- Control pests properly.
- Ensure workers wear clean clothes, gloves, and hair covers.
FSSAI Food License for Bakery Business
- Home bakers (turnover below ₹12 lakh) need Basic Registration.
- Medium-sized bakeries (turnover ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore) need a State License.
- Large bakeries (turnover above ₹20 crore or in multiple states) need a Central License.
Labeling Requirements for Bakery Products Under FSSAI
- The label must have the FSSAI logo and license number.
- List all ingredients, allergens, expiry date, nutrition details, and manufacturing date.
- Include storage instructions and the manufacturing unit’s address.
How to Get an FSSAI License for a Bakery Business?
- Visit the FoSCoS website.
- Register and choose the appropriate license type.
- Submit documents like identity proof, business address, and food safety management plan.
- Pay the registration fee and submit the application. Annual charges for:
Basic registration is ₹100 per annum
A state license is ₹2000 to ₹5000 per annum depending on production capacity.
Central license is ₹7500 to ₹25000 per annum, depending on production capacity.
Pay the applicable fee for the certification you are applying for.
- FSSAI officials may conduct an inspection before granting approval.
FSSAI Compliance & Common Violations
FSSAI Compliance Checklist for Dairy & Bakery Businesses
- Obtain the appropriate FSSAI license.
- Follow packaging and labeling guidelines.
- Maintain hygienic food processing and storage conditions.
- Conduct regular food safety audits.
- Implement a robust quality control mechanism.
Common FSSAI Violations in the Bakery Industry
- Non-compliance with labeling norms, such as missing allergen information, is a violation.
- Poor sanitation in food preparation areas.
- Use of expired or non-FSSAI-approved ingredients.
- Improper disposal of bakery waste leading to contamination.
- Non-compliance with food additive regulations.
Latest FSSAI Updates for Bakery & Dairy Businesses
FSSAI periodically updates its regulations to align with global food safety standards. Some recent updates include:
- Stricter antibiotic residue limits in milk.
- Enhanced traceability norms for dairy products.
- Revised permissible limits for food colorants and preservatives in bakery items.
- QR codes are encouraged but not yet mandatory on all packaged dairy and bakery products.
Conclusion
Following FSSAI rules is important for dairy and bakery businesses to keep food safe, gain customer trust, and avoid legal issues. Getting an FSSAI license, keeping things clean, and following food safety rules help businesses run smoothly and provide good quality products.
For hassle-free FSSAI registration and expert compliance guidance, consult The Legal Dost today! Let us help you secure your license effortlessly.
Who needs an FSSAI license for dairy or bakery businesses? (FAQ’s)
Any business involved in the production, processing, distribution, storage, or sale of dairy and bakery products must obtain an FSSAI license based on their turnover.
- Basic Registration: For businesses with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
- State License: For businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Central License: For businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crore or those operating in multiple states.
- Basic Registration: 7-10 days
- State License: Up to 30 days
- Central License: 30-60 days
FSSAI mandates that packaging must include:
- FSSAI logo and license number
- List of ingredients and allergen information
- Expiry date and manufacturing details
- Nutritional information and storage instructions
- Mislabeling of ingredients or allergens
- Poor sanitation and hygiene in the production area
- Use of non-FSSAI-approved ingredients
- Improper waste disposal leading to contamination
Yes, even small-scale home bakers and dairy businesses with a turnover below ₹12 lakh must obtain FSSAI Basic Registration.
The Legal Dost provides expert guidance on FSSAI registration, documentation, compliance audits, and renewal services to ensure hassle-free licensing.