Home Bakers How to Apply for FSSAI Food Registration FOSCO

 

Revamped site to apply for Fssai License and Registration

Back in 2015, when I first took the Food safety (FSSAI) registration, I had to do a bit of walking around. First, I got a medical certificate signed by a govt doctor and then filled the application paper and submitted the application at the Food Safety office at General Hospital Junction, Trivandrum. 

After couple of weeks, I was elated to get the sealed govt envelope with the registration paper. Wasting no time, I got the certificate framed and proudly displayed it in the hall where I take baking classes. I felt that this certificate gave me a special status, exclusivity and an insulation from questions.

I have seen similar certificates in hotels and shops, where they are displayed behind the cash counter. Now, I felt like one among them. :)

Later around mid 2020 I realized that my registration has expired and it was time for renewal.

At first, I didn't bother to re-apply as I told myself that we are in the midst of pandemic and it can wait. But, towards the end of 2020, there was a buzz among home bakers about food safety license. At first I thought it was a casual discussion. Later, I realized that a new rule has come into effect which makes it mandatory for  home bakers to take a licence.

And the law has strict and heavy fines. It gives power authorities to charge fine upto 5 lakh and even imprisonment upto 6 months to anyone who runs an establishment  or home based food biz without licence or registration. 

Long Live Licence Raj 
When a hefty fine is make as rule, there's always another side to it. It can be a misused by officials to  to scare hapless people. It's also a chance for many middle men to come into the picture. 

FAQ Home Bakers have About Food Safety Licence and Registration

When it comes to applying for food safety licence/registration, the pressing question on peoples mind is - where and how to apply for food safety licence / registration.

Do we need to visit a office or can it be done online? Which is the right website to apply? Can I get it done in Akshya centres in Kerala or any citizen help centers in other states? 

New FOSCoS Site

Around Oct - Nov 2020, the old fssai site was revamped. It was around the time when harsh fines where announced - a time when small shop owners and home based sellers were scrambling to apply the licence. Some people applied through the new site, some were waiting for the new site to be up. And when the new site was LIVE, it crashed frequently and it  was inaccessible for a long time. 

Many people esp, home chefs and home bakes who didn't have the licence or registration had a fear back in their mind - what if authorities knock on my door and ask for licence? 

Which Site is the correct Govt Site to apply for Fssai Registration?

First of all, most people who search online for Fssai licence aren't aware of the different sites appearing on online search. A typical user usually select the results appearing on the top. This results in clicks and leads to calls, form submission, payment of money. In short, the sites appearing on the top, pockets the money.

Another problem is that, private sites are all appearing above the Govt fssai site. Also, the sponsored links ( 4 sites ) on top of search results are taken by private sites. In one glace, all sites appear to be a govt site, trying to help in getting the licence or registration.  The name of the site resembles like a government fssai site. But these clone sites don't have any authorization to accept application or process it.  

Search Results for FSSAI Registration

In this murky world of online search, there smart, tech savvy players come on the top rank in google. Many cases has come to light where people have lost money by dealing with the wrong site. 

So, how in the world can public make out the real site? Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware!

FSSAI Doesn't Authorize Anyone as agent

While there are some agents and private players who offer guidance, there are many who are making quick bucks from people. In this regard, even FSSAI said that it will not be responsible for any loss caused to the public while dealing with a wrong agent. In simple words, they washed their hands off the problem. 

The Maze 

Welcome to the new FoSCoS site. It promises faster process, less paperwork and helpful options. That's the good news. But, sadly the new site lacks in clarity. There are far too distractions on the homepage. For the first-time visitor, menu options, the site navigation, text content all can makes people think - is it the right option.

In other words, it looked like any other typical Govt site ( too official jargon, clunky text, clauses, options). My humble suggestion - please SIMPLIFY.

[ I'm not a web expert, but what I had mentioned are just basics, which anyone who visits the site can tell. Also, given the infrastructure, technical skills available in a Govt dept, they could have done it much, much better job at simplifying the registration process.

One thing about websites is that it can edited, corrected, modified any number of time. So, when I visit the site, I can expect it to be better than yesterday. ]

Simplify Menu and Content
One main question a home bakers or home chef has is about the category should choose? I keep hearing this question from people on various baking forums. Why they visit the site for registration, they get all sort of doubts and questions. One way the site makers could have made easy for home bakers or home chef to understand is by using the word home chef or home baker in the content. 

The officials who worked or crated the framework of the site, knew that home based biz people is one big segment of people landing on the site to get the registration. Why don't they create a text helping them simplify the process?

So, which site is Correct Govt Site?

This is the link to the government site for FSSAI Registeration 
 

Do I need Fssai Licence or Fssai Registration?

If you're a home bakers or a home chefs, with a turnover less than 12 lakh, then you need to apply for   FSSAI REGISTRATION.

To get the registration, you need to upload the passport size photo and the photo ID ( Aadhaar) or other legal id cards with photo.

In case, your business turnover is over 12 lakhs a year, then you require a licence from FSSAI. This requires more paper work, formalities and fees.  

How to Apply for Food Licence ( Home Bakers ).

Step 1 - Click this link  https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/


Here are the screen shots from the foscos site to apply for fresh registration.

Step 1 - Click the box to reach the site

Step 2  - Select this option (Home bakers and Home Chefs)

Step 3 -

Step 4 - One time password 

Step 5

Step 6 - Fill in the required columns 

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10 - Choose the right option for your biz

     This screenshot will give some idea about the steps towards registration of your home based biz under Fssai. If you have any doubt, you can msg me.