Introduction

In India, the FSSAI has a strict zero tolerance policy for unsafe food, making its hygiene guidelines critical for all Food Business Operators (FBOs). Following these practices is a legal requirement for applying and maintaining your FSSAI Licence Registration.

These regulations are based on Schedule 4 of the FSSAI regulations, 2011, which outlines the essential hygiene and sanitary practices for every food business. Following these Food Safety & Hygiene Standards is a statutory requirement that protects public health and is a prerequisite for a successful FSSAI Licence Registration process. These standards lay the foundation for a solid Food Safety Management System (FSMS) based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP). A properly registered FSSAI Licence gives consumers confidence that the business is concerned about their health.

Key Hygienic Practices

Food handlers are the first line of defense against food contamination. That is why the FSSAI's Food Safety & Hygiene Standards places considerable emphasis on food handler training, personal hygiene, and conduct when preparing food. Ensuring your staff is well trained is the first step in the FSSAI Licence Registration journey.

Personal Cleanliness: All food handlers must maintain a high degree of personal hygiene. A food handler's fingernails should be trimmed and clean. It is important to avoid any unhygienic habits such as smoking, spitting, or chewing tobacco while working in a food preparation area. Additionally, accessories like rings, watches or earrings, can also compromise the safety of food, and should not be worn while handling food. These are simple, but effective, recommendations for ensuring the integrity of your FSSAI Licence Registration.
Handwashing and Attire: The proper hand washing procedure is critical to the Food Safety & Hygiene Standards. Employees must wash their hands with soap and water before they start work, after going to the restroom, and after handling any raw food or any other contaminated food. Staff who are directly handling food must wear clean protective clothing, head coverings, shoes and gloves to protect the food from contamination. Following these Food Safety & Hygiene Standards is very important. A compliant operation reflects a valid FSSAI Licence Registration.
Health Requirements: Food handlers who are suffering from an infectious disease or have an open wound or burns should not be engaged in food handling. Food handlers must provide evidence of an annual medical examination by a licensed medical practitioner indicating the handler is free from an infectious disease with records on file for inspection as part of the FSSAI Licence Registration compliance requirements.

Sanitation Checklist

The physical facility where food is prepared and kept in storage plays an important role in food safety. The provisions regarding FSSAI Licence Registration cover every aspect of the premises to ensure Food Safety & Hygiene Standards are in place.

Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance: All utensils, containers and equipment that come into contact with food must made from non-toxic material that is corrosion-free and must be in good condition. Businesses should implement and adhere to a documented cleaning and sanitation programme, which is an essential component of the Food Safety & Hygiene Standards. This Documentation is also reviewed during the inspection process as part of FSSAI Licence Registration.
Waste Management: Food waste should not be allowed to accumulate in food preparation or storage areas. Garbage should be stored in covered containers and disposed of frequently to avoid attracting pests and contamination. Proper disposal of waste is not negotiable when it comes to the Food Safety & Hygiene Standards, and a prerequisite for a FSSAI Licence Registration.
Pest Control Measures: It is crucial to have a continuous and effective pest control program. The premises must be routinely checked for signs of infestation and any potential access points (i.e. holes, drains) need to be sealed. Also, you must keep records of all pesticide usage, which helps to maintain a clean environment and contribute to safeguarding your FSSAI Licence Registration.

Common FSSAI Violations

Many businesses struggle to remain compliant often faltering with basic hygiene. If you want to maintain your FSSAI Licence Registration, it is critical to avoid common violations of the Food Safety & Hygiene Standards, which typically include:

Lack of personal hygiene among food handlers.
Potential for cross-contamination between raw and cooked food items.
Insufficient or improper cleaning of the premises and equipment.
Improper waste disposal systems and a lack of effective pest control measures.
Failure to maintain required documentation and records for inspection.

How Lawfinity Will Help You

For any food business operator, understanding FSSAI regulations can be a challenging proposition. At Lawfinity, we know the FSSAI regulations, especially the Food Safety & Hygiene Standards very well and can show you how to comply with these regulations so that your business runs compliantly and legally with a complete and seamless FSSAI Licence Registration process. We assist you with the entire process from creating a robust Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan to preparing for the inspection, so you can focus on running the business. Our expertise in the Food Safety & Hygiene Standards is your asset.