FSSAI Compliance for Street Food Vendors & Small Restaurants
India’s diverse food culture thrives in its bustling restaurants and street food vendors. These serve millions daily, offering delicious and affordable foods. However, maintaining food safety is a main aspect of operating a food business. FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) compliance ensures that food is healthy and maintains public safety. In this blog, we will discuss FSSAI compliance for street food vendors and small restaurants in detail, covering the license process, hygiene regulations and penalties for non- compliance, and way to maintain the food safety compliance.
Why is FSSAI Compliance Necessary?
Food safety is a major concern, and FSSAI Compliance ensure that your business meets hygiene and food safety standards. FSSAI Compliance helps:
Prevent foodborne illnesses caused by contamination or improper food handling.
Build trust among consumers, ensuring they receive hygienic and safe food.
Avoid legal issues and fines associated with non-compliance.
Enhance business credibility and eligibility for partnerships or expansions.
FSSAI food safety guidelines are a must for all street food vendors and small restaurants to ensure proper hygiene and prevent health illness.
FSSAI Registration for Street Food Vendors and Small Restaurants
In India, food businesses need an FSSAI registration or food business certificate depending on their turnover and size for their businesses. The types of registration required are broken down as follows:
Basic Registration – Applicable for businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh. Ideal for small food stalls, street vendors, and tiny eateries.
State License – Required for businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh but less than ₹20 crore. Suitable for mid-sized restaurants.
Central License – Needed for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore. This applies to large restaurant chains and food franchises.
A street vendor food license is mandatory for street food vendors, while small food restaurants must follow with small eatery regulations under FSSAI.
Key FSSAI Compliance Requirements
To run legally and maintain food safety, street food vendors and small food restaurants must follow the required regulations:
1. Hygiene & Sanitation Standards
FSSAI has outlined FSSAI hygiene standards to maintain food quality. These include:
Ensuring proper handwashing facilities and clean surroundings.
Proper waste disposal and pest control measures.
Maintaining clean and sanitized cooking equipment.
2. Food Handling and Safety Norms
Businesses must follow proper food safety norms by:
Using fresh ingredients and ensuring proper food storage.
Avoiding cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked food separate.
Maintaining appropriate cooking temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Licensing & Documentation
It is mandatory for street food vendors, small food restaurants, and food businesses to obtain FSSAI registration and display the license number at their businesses. This will help to ensures transparency and compliance with food certification rules.
4. FSSAI Inspection Guidelines
FSSAI conducts inspections to verify whether your business follows FSSAI food safety guidelines for street food vendors. Fssai inspections include:
Checking the cleanliness of the cooking and serving area.
Ensuring proper storage of food ingredients.
Verifying the personal hygiene of staff.
Failure to meet these criteria can result in penalties or shutdown of the business.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Food Stall Under FSSAI
Registering a street food stall or a small restaurant under FSSAI involves the following steps:
Visit the official FSSAI website (https://www.fssai.gov.in/).
Click on ‘Apply for FSSAI Registration’ and choose the appropriate license type.
Fill in business details, including the type of food sold, location, and owner details.
Upload the required documents, such as identity proof, business ownership details, and hygiene certificates.
Pay the registration fee and submit the application.
An FSSAI inspector will visit the premises for verification.
Upon approval, the FSSAI license is issued, allowing legal operation.
Common FSSAI Violations for Small Food Businesses
Most small food businesses that fail to follow FSSAI compliance requirements for street food vendors may face legal action. Here are some common violations include:
Selling food without an FSSAI license.
Using substandard or expired ingredients.
Poor hygiene and sanitation practices.
Lack of proper waste disposal and pest control.
Not maintaining temperature control for perishable foods.
How to Ensure FSSAI Compliance for Street Food Vendors
To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, street food vendors and small restaurants should:
Obtain raw materials from licensed suppliers.
Use proper food storage methods to prevent spoilage.
Train staff in hygiene and food handling procedures.
Maintain cleanliness in food preparation and serving areas.
Regularly review FSSAI guidelines for any regulatory updates.
What Are the Penalties for FSSAI Non-Compliance?
Businesses failing to comply with FSSAI hygiene and sanitation rules for small eateries face severe penalties:
A fine of up to ₹5 lakh for selling unsafe or contaminated food.
License suspension or cancellation for repeated violations.
Legal action and closure of the food business.
FSSAI Certification Process for Food Trucks and Food Booths
Food trucks and food booths must also follow with FSSAI food safety guidelines for street food stalls. The registration process remains the same as that for small restaurants and vendors.
Latest FSSAI Updates for Street Vendors and Small Restaurants
FSSAI regularly updates its regulations to improve food safety. Here are some recent changes includes:
Stricter hygiene standards for street food vendors.
Digital tracking of FSSAI inspections and registrations.
Food safety training is encouraged by FSSAI but is not mandatory for all vendors and small restaurant staff. However, under the FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) program, it is mandatory for large food businesses.
Businesses must regularly check the FSSAI website for updated compliance rules.
Conclusion
To run a small food restaurant or street food business, obtaining an FSSAI license is necessary for safe operation. To ensure public health and business credibility, need to follow fssai inspection guidelines and maintain fssai hygiene standards and cleanliness.
Non-compliance may result in heavy fines and closure. It’s important for vendors and small restaurant owners to stay updated on FSSAI compliance requirements for street food vendors and small restaurants. By following proper procedures and maintaining hygiene helps small food businesses grow while keeping customers safe.
