FSSAI FOR MILK CHILLING UNITS: A PRACTICAL COMPLIANCE GUIDE

Any Food Business Operator (FBO) in India who processes, manufactures, stores, distributes, or sells food is required to obtain an FSSAI License. Dairy operations are subject to this requirement, especially those that use milk chilling units. Dairy processing includes these establishments that produce, store, handle, distribute, process, and transport milk and milk products. The importance of acquiring an FSSAI license for milk chilling units and the application process will be discussed in this article.

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WHY FSSAI COMPLIANCE MATTERS FOR MILK CHILLING UNITS

One crucial government agency in charge of food safety and hygiene in India is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). An FSSAI Registration/License is required for all businesses that deal with food, including those that prepare, handle, deliver, serve, and retail. Since they gather and milk chilling unit license are classified as food handling equipment. As a result, they must register with the FSSAI. An FSSAI license sets your company apart from the competition and increases the trustworthiness of your clients. Without it, there's a chance of losing customers' trust and, in some cases, having your service cancelled. Having an FSSAI license has several advantages:

It positions your Milk Chilling Unit as a trusted and quality provider.
It simplifies legal processes related to your business.
It facilitates the expansion of your Milk Chilling Units to new locations without complications.
You can use the FSSAI license logo to showcase your commitment to quality to clients.
An FSSAI license attracts investment and eases loan processes.

FSSAI REGISTRATION VS. LICENSE FOR MILK STORAGE AND CHILLING

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Milk chilling units play a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of dairy products, making FSSAI compliance essential. The key difference between FSSAI registration and license lies in the scale of operations. FSSAI registration applies to small-scale milk chilling units handling up to 500 litres of milk per day or with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakhs. It involves a simpler process and is suitable for small operators. On the other hand, a State or Central FSSAI license is mandatory for larger facilities processing more than 500 litres daily or having turnover above ₹12 lakhs. State licenses apply to units operating within a single state, while Central licenses are required for inter-state operations or higher capacities. Both ensure compliance with hygiene, temperature control, and labeling standards. Choosing the correct category avoids penalties and ensures smooth, legally compliant dairy operations.

Eligibility and Documentation for Milk Chilling Facilities

Certain eligibility requirements for FSSAI license registration must be met in order to operate milk chilling units, which are essential for handling and processing dairy products:

Annual Turnover Requirement: Owners of small-scale milk chilling units need to have a minimum annual turnover of Rs. 12 lakhs.
Minimum Milk Production: The milk chilling unit should process at least 500 litres daily.
Display of Registration Number: Each milk packet, product, or package should visibly display the 14-digit registration number provided by the FSSAI. This is crucial for maintaining transparency and adhering to regulatory standards.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO APPLY FOR FSSAI REGISTRATION OR LICENSE

To obtain an FSSAI license for a Milk Chilling Unit, follow these comprehensive steps:

Identify the Kind of License Required: Determine whether you require a Basic, State, or Central FSSAI license based on the size and volume of your milk chilling unit.
Visit the FoSCoS Portal: Go to the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) website of the FSSAI.
Create an Account: Go to the FoSCoS portal and create an account if you're a new user. Enter your login information if you already have an account.
Choose the Type of License: After logging in, choose 'Apply for New License/Registration' from the 'License/Registration' section.
Select Your State and Type of Business: Choose the state in which your milk chilling unit is situated. Next, under the "Kind of Business" section, select the appropriate business type. This could fall under "Dairy units including milk chilling units" for a milk chilling unit.
Complete the application: Fill out application Form B with all necessary information, including the applicant's name and address, the milk chilling unit's name and address, contact information, and the type of business activity.
Give your communication details: For future correspondence, accurately enter your contact information, including your email address and mobile number.
Upload Required Files: Please affix the necessary documents, which may include (see above).
Submit the application: Verify the accuracy of all the data and supporting documentation before submitting the application.
Recognize the Reference Number: After submitting your application, you will be given a 17-digit reference number. This number is essential for future use and monitoring the progress of your application.
Examination and License Acceptance: Your milk chilling unit may be inspected by an FSSAI officer to make sure that FSSAI regulations are being followed. Your FSSAI license will be issued if the inspection is satisfactory.
License Renewal: Keep in mind that, depending on the option selected at the time of application, FSSAI licenses are valid for one to five years. Before the license expires, make sure to renew it.

Temperature Control, Hygiene, And Packaging Requirements

Temperature Control:
- - Milk must be chilled to 4°C or lower immediately after collection.
  - Chilling equipment should be well-maintained, calibrated, and capable of rapid cooling.
  - Maintain temperature logs and ensure the cold chain is unbroken during storage and transport.
Hygiene:
- - Premises must have cleanable floors/walls, proper drainage, and ventilation.
  - Staff must follow personal hygiene practices, including clean uniforms and handwashing.
  - Regular cleaning schedules, pest control, and potable water supply are mandatory.
Packaging:
- - Use only food-grade materials for milk storage and packaging.
  - Labels must display the FSSAI license number, date of packing, expiry, and batch number.
  - Maintain hygiene during packaging to prevent contamination.

FEES, VALIDITY, AND RENEWAL TIMELINES

Fees:
- - - Basic Registration: ₹100/year
    - State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year (depending on milk capacity)
    - Central License: ₹7,500/year
Validity:
- - - Can be chosen for 1 to 5 years at the time of application
Renewal Timeline:
- - - Must apply at least 30 days before expiry
    - Late renewal may attract fines or cancellation of license

Common Violations in Milk Chilling Units and How to Avoid Them

Common Violation

Operating without correct registration / license
Poor hygiene / equipment cleaning
Temperature lapse in chilling / storage / transport
Use of non‑food grade containers / cross contamination
Label / display non‑compliance
Delayed renewal, missing fees

How to Avoid

Assess your capacity properly; consult legal/food safety expert; get needed registration/license before operations.
Have documented SOPs; schedule cleaning; use food‑grade materials; train staff.
Monitor temperature continuously; have backup power; maintain equipment; have records.
Use certified containers; separate clean/dirty zones; wash/disinfect.
Ensure FSSAI number is printed on appropriate documents or packaging as required.

AUDITS, INSPECTIONS, AND HOW TO PREPARE

According to the FSSAI and state food safety authorities, regulatory bodies have the authority to carry out inspections. It helps to be prepared.

Keep all of your records organized, including those related to staff training, cleaning, procurement, and temperature logs.
Maintain a clean environment by using appropriate ventilation, waste disposal, pest control, and drainage.
Make sure the temperature sensors, thermometers, and chilling units are calibrated and operating.
Employees should wear protective gear and be aware of SOPs and hygiene procedures.
Prepare to present the layout, water test reports, and the license or registration certificate.
Internal audits: regular self-assessments to verify compliance prior to a formal inspection.

COMPLIANCE CHECKLISTS AND BEST PRACTICES

Registration/License

Get appropriate FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central) based on milk capacity & turnover

Infrastructure

Proper layout plan with cleanable surfaces, drainage, potable water
Chilling equipment capable of reducing milk temp to ≤4°C

Hygiene & SOPs

Staff trained in cleaning, sanitization, and milk handling
Documented SOPs for operations, cleaning, pest control, etc.

Milk Handling & Records

Maintain logs: milk receipt, chilling temp, storage, equipment cleaning
Use food-grade containers; avoid cross-contamination

Animal Sourcing & Health

Milk sourced from healthy, disease-free animals
Maintain records of supplier farms and veterinary checks

Labeling & Display

Display FSSAI license number at facility and on documents/labels (if applicable)

Renewal & Audit Prep

Track license validity; renew timely via FoSCoS
Be inspection-ready with updated documentation & cleanliness

CONCLUSION

To guarantee the safety and quality of their dairy products, milk chilling facilities must obtain an FSSAI registration or license. Customers are reassured about the quality of milk products by this registration, which also shows the company's dedication to food safety regulations. In order to meet hygienic and quality standards, the procedure entails submitting the required paperwork and submitting to inspections.