Updated on April 23, 2025 05:42:51 PM
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) License is a compulsion for every food business, including mid-day meal caterers who cook and provide food to schools under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. It assures that food consumed by children is hygienic, safe, and according to the standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Because mid-day meals have a direct impact on the nutrition and health of school-going children, it is essential for caterers to be licensed under FSSAI. The certification ensures that caterers follow rigorous rules of food safety, such as safe storage, hygienic cooking habits, quality ingredient use, and contamination-free supply. It avoids food poisoning and ensures that food is prepared in a clean, regulated setup.
With growing emphasis on food safety in school meal programs, the FSSAI license is not only a regulatory mandate but an assurance of serving children healthy, nutritious, and safe food, thus contributing to their overall health and development.
FSSAI License for Mid-Day Meal Caterer [Sample]
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An FSSAI License is a permit provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to guarantee that food businesses adhere to hygiene and safety regulations. Mid-day meal caterers, who cook and provide food to schools under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, are required to possess this license to ensure that the food they provide is safe and nutritious for children.
This license ensures cleanliness, food storage, and quality ingredients during meal preparation. It minimizes the risk of food contamination and foodborne diseases, providing students with healthy and safe meals.
TIn the absence of an FSSAI license, caterers of mid-day meals can be prosecuted, fined, or even have their services suspended. By securing this certification, they demonstrate their seriousness towards food safety, hygiene, and serving nutritious meals to school-going children.
An FSSAI License is mandatory for mid-day meal caterers because it guarantees food safety, hygiene, and quality in meal preparation. The following are the major advantages:
Mid-day meal caterers need to obtain an FSSAI State License or Central License, depending on their scale of operations. Below are the required documents for each:
| Document Type | FSSAI State License | FSSAI Central License |
|---|---|---|
| Form-B (Duly filled & signed) | The applicant must submit a properly filled and signed Form B. | A duly filled and signed Form B is required for the application. |
| Proof of Business Address | A valid proof of business address, such as an electricity bill or rent agreement, must be submitted. | Business address proof, such as a utility bill or rental agreement, is necessary for verification. |
| Identity & Address Proof of Owner/Partners | The owner or partners must provide identity and address proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID. | Identity and address proof of the business owner or partners must be submitted for verification. |
| Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Plan | A detailed Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan must be provided to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards. | A comprehensive FSMS plan is required to demonstrate food safety measures. |
| List of Food Products to be Served | The applicant must provide a complete list of food products that will be served. | A detailed list of food products to be supplied must be submitted. |
| Kitchen Layout Plan | A layout plan of the kitchen setup must be submitted for hygiene and operational assessment. | The applicant must provide a kitchen layout plan showing food preparation and handling areas. |
| Water Test Report (Safe water for cooking) | A water test report must be submitted to confirm that the water used in food preparation is safe. | A certified water test report must be provided to ensure safe cooking water. |
| Employee Medical Certificates | The medical fitness certificates of employees handling food must be submitted to ensure they are fit to work. | Health certificates for all food-handling staff must be provided as proof of their medical fitness. |
| Proof of Annual Turnover | Not required for the state license. | The applicant must provide proof of the annual turnover to determine eligibility for the central license. |
| NOC from Local Authorities | Not mandatory for the state license. | A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities may be required for large-scale operations. |
| Import Export Code (IEC) (If involved in food exports/imports) | Not required for the state license. | If the business is involved in food imports or exports, an Import Export Code (IEC) must be provided. |
| Details of Machinery & Equipment Used | Not required for the state license. | Information on machinery and equipment used in food preparation and processing must be submitted. |
| Nomination of Responsible Person for Food Safety | Not required for the state license. | A responsible person must be nominated and their details submitted for food safety compliance. |
Acquiring an FSSAI License for a Mid-day Meal Caterer: 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 would 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 Mid-Day Meal Caterer vary based on the license type. The government fee starts at ₹2,000 for a State License and ₹7,500 for a Central License. Additionally, professional fees for application processing and documentation support are for a State License ₹ 2,000 and ₹7,500 Central License.
| FSSAI License Type | Government Fee (INR) | Professional Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI State License | ₹2,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
| FSSAI Central License | ₹7,500 | ₹ 7,500 |
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST
FSSAI License is a must for mid-day meal caterers to guarantee that the food consumed by school children is safe, hygienic, and nutritious. The certification ensures that caterers have high standards of food safety, avoiding contamination and food poisoning. It also guarantees adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, safeguarding caterers from legal action and business loss.
Through the FSSAI license, caterers of mid-day meals obtain credibility and confidence among parents, government officials, and schools. It also presents more chances for caterers to increase their service with quality and hygiene.
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)
An FSSAI license guarantees food safety and hygiene compliance for school meal caterers to avoid contamination and legal problems.
Small caterers require a Basic Registration, medium-scale caterers need a State License, and large-scale or multi-state caterers require a Central License.
The documents are Form B, proof of business, proof of identity, FSMS plan, list of food, water test report, and medical certificates of food handlers.
Processing is done in approximately 7 days for Basic, 15-30 days for State, and 30-60 days for a Central License.
Working without a license can lead to penalties, fines, or suspension of food supply operations.
It is issued for 1 to 5 years and needs to be renewed before expiry to continue working legally.
Yes, all providers of mid-day meals, including NGOs and government-sponsored caterers, are required to have an FSSAI license.
Applications can be submitted online via FSSAI's portal or at local FSSAI offices.
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