Updated on April 23, 2025 05:42:51 PM
Boarding houses providing food to occupants are required to adhere to food safety and hygiene standards to ensure the health of their occupants. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires that all food-related businesses, such as boarding houses, acquire an FSSAI license before serving food. This certification is a guarantee that food is processed, stored, and served under hygienic conditions, eliminating the possibility of contamination and foodborne diseases.
An FSSAI license is a must for boarding houses because it not only makes them legally compliant but also trustworthy and credible in the eyes of residents and authorities. Depending on the size of the boarding house and its annual turnover, operators will have to apply for a Basic Registration, State License. The application procedure involves the submission of documents like identity proof, business registration, food safety plan, and a kitchen layout.
By obtaining an FSSAI license, boarding houses show their dedication to providing safe, nutritious, and hygienic food. With this certificate, they ensure quality standards, prevent legal repercussions, and establish a reputation for providing a safe and healthy living space for the residents.
FSSAI License for Boarding Houses [Sample]
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An FSSAI license is a legal document that boarding houses, which provide food to their boarders, are required to have. It guarantees that the food served is safe, clean, and of quality as per the standards of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Boarding houses, including hostels, lodges, and PG accommodations, are required to get this license if they cook or dispense food. The license ensures that food is cooked, stored, and served in clean and safe conditions, minimizing food contamination or health hazards.
Having an FSSAI license establishes confidence, avoids legal complications, and promotes food safety and, therefore, is required by every food-serving boarding house.
By obtaining an FSSAI license, boarding houses ensure they provide safe, high-quality, and legally compliant meals, benefiting both their business and residents.
Here is the table for the documents required for FSSAI Basic and State License for boarding houses serving food:
| Document Type | FSSAI Basic Registration | FSSAI State License |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | The applicant must submit a properly filled and signed Form-A. | A duly filled and signed Form B must be submitted as part of the application. |
| Identity proof of the owner (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.) | The owner must provide a valid identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID. | The applicant needs to submit identity proof like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any government-issued ID. |
| Address proof of the business location | A valid address proof of the business location, such as a utility bill or rent agreement, must be submitted. | The business location address must be verified by submitting a utility bill, rental agreement, or property document. |
| Business registration certificate (if applicable) | If the boarding house is registered as a business, a business registration certificate should be provided. | The business must provide a valid registration certificate to establish its legal status. |
| Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan | This document is not mandatory for a Basic Registration. | A detailed Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan must be provided to demonstrate hygiene and food safety measures. |
| List of food items to be served | A list of all food items that will be prepared and served in the boarding house must be provided. | The applicant must submit a detailed list of food products served in the boarding house. |
| Kitchen layout plan | A kitchen layout plan is not required for Basic Registration. | The boarding house must submit a kitchen layout plan to demonstrate food preparation and handling areas. |
| Water test report (if applicable) | A water test report is not needed for Basic Registration unless requested by authorities. | A certified water test report must be provided to confirm the safety of the water used for cooking and drinking. |
| Medical certificates of food handlers | Food handler medical certificates are not required for Basic Registration. | Health certificates for all food handlers must be submitted to ensure they are fit to work in food preparation areas. |
| NOC from local authorities (if applicable) | A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities is not necessary for Basic Registration. | A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities may be required, depending on the size and nature of the boarding house operations. |
Acquiring an FSSAI License for Boarding Houses Serving Food: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first thing that the applicant needs to do is to access the official website of FoSCOS, the Food Safety Compliance System.
Before applying, it is very important to decide whether a Central or State License is to be obtained. Each location should be separately entered to decide on its eligibility.
Once the website is loaded, click "Sign-up" for the desired license type. Fill in the registration form with contact details, whereby the phone number and email address provided will be active and accessible.
Choose a unique username and set up a password during registration. Upon completion of the form, click 'Register' to finalize the sign-up.
Confirmation of account activation via an SMS and email to the applicant after successful registration.
Use your new credentials to log into the system and fill out the online FSSAI Registration Application Form. All details should be correct and complete.
Before submitting online, print a copy of it. Once submitted online, a reference number will appear on the screen, very important for tracking the application process.
Within 15 days of applying online, a photocopy of the filled application form should be sent to the respective regional or state FSSAI office. This is so that the application is considered and processed.
FSSAI License Fees for Boarding Houses Serving Food vary based on the license type. The government fee starts at ₹100 for Basic Registration, ₹2,000 for a State License. Additionally, professional fees for application processing and documentation support are for Basic Registration ₹100 , for a State License, ₹2,000.
| FSSAI License Type | Government Fee (INR) | Professional Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Basic Registration | ₹100 | ₹100 |
| FSSAI State License | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 |
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST
An FSSAI license is necessary for boarding houses that provide food as it ensures food safety, hygiene, and legal compliance. It ensures that the food provided is of quality and builds trust and credibility among residents, parents, and authorities. An FSSAI-certified boarding house can escape legal consequences, improve its reputation, and increase business opportunities by following food safety protocols.
Moreover, the license safeguards residents from foodborne diseases, providing a healthy and safe eating experience. It also allows boarding houses to engage in government tenders and institutional partnerships, making it an important asset for long-term business development.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FSSAI license provides food safety, cleanliness, and legal compliance for boarding houses offering food, avoiding contamination and legal trouble.
Small boarding houses require Basic Registration, medium-sized require State License, and large-scale or multi-state require Central License.
It ensures food quality, builds trust, prevents penalties, improves business credibility, and allows participation in government tenders.
It is valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiration to continue operations legally.
Applications can be submitted online via FSSAI's portal or at local FSSAI offices.
Operating without an FSSAI license can lead to fines, legal action, or closure of the food service.
Key documents include Form-A/Form-B, identity proof, business registration, food safety plan, and a kitchen layout.
No, all food-serving establishments, regardless of size, must register with FSSAI.
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