What Is FSSAI and Why Does It Matter for Kerala Food Businesses?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex food regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Government of India. Every food business in Kerala must obtain the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence before commencing operations. Operating without FSSAI authorisation is a criminal offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Three Tiers of FSSAI Authorisation
1. FSSAI Basic Registration
- For: Petty food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 Lakhs
- Includes: Home bakers, small vendors, hawkers, small retailers
- Validity: 1–5 years | Processing: 7–15 days
2. FSSAI State Licence
- For: Turnover ₹12 Lakhs to ₹20 Crores, single-state operations in Kerala
- Includes: Manufacturers, processors, distributors, restaurants, hotels
- Validity: 1–5 years | Processing: 30–60 days
3. FSSAI Central Licence
- For: Turnover above ₹20 Crores, all food importers, all food exporters, multi-state operations
- Validity: 1–5 years | Processing: 30–60 days
Who Needs FSSAI in Kerala?
- Home bakers and cloud kitchens (Basic Registration)
- Restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Spice, seafood, and agricultural product exporters (Central Licence mandatory)
- Food importers (Central Licence mandatory)
- E-commerce food sellers (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon sellers)
FSSAI Renewal Key Facts
- Renewal must be applied 30 days before expiry
- Late renewal attracts penalty of ₹100/day
- Operating with expired licence treated as operating without licence
- Renewal done through FoSCoS portal
📌 Get Licensed with Blueberry
- FSSAI State Licence — ₹5,000 | Full Guide → (turnover ₹12L–₹20Cr)
- FSSAI Central Licence — ₹10,000 | Full Guide → (above ₹20Cr / all exporters & importers)
- IEC Registration — mandatory for all food exporters
Business Structure: Private Limited Company | LLP | Proprietorship
Export Finance: Business Loans up to ₹10 Crores
Guides: Spice Export Business Guide | All Licenses Required in Kerala
⚠️ Disclaimer: Blueberry facilitates FSSAI licence applications. Licence issuance is subject to FSSAI approval. This is not legal advice. Accurate as of April 2026.