Summary Of Proprietary Foods
- FSSAI defines Proprietary foods as food articles which has not been standardized under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 regulations.
- Food Business Operators (FBOs) need to conform to sub-Regulation 2.12 for Proprietary food.
- FBOs may visit the site https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/ for the application of the FSSAI Proprietary food license.
- The validity of the FSSAI Proprietary food license can be up to one to five years as issued by the Authorities.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) defines Proprietary food as an article of food which are not standardized under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 regulations. Proprietary food shall contain only those ingredients other than additives which are either standardized or permitted for use in the preparation of food products under the Food Safety Standards and Regulations and those food or ingredients mentioned in the Indian Food Composition Tables. Proprietary food shall use only such additives and at such levels, as specified for the Category or Subcategory under Appendix A of these Regulations, to which the food belongs.
What Is Proprietary Foods?
The Government has been actively engaging towards providing food safety to its people. With the growing population of India, the demand for packaged food is also increasing. FSSAI has recognised a specific working model is needed to manufacture and market these Proprietary foods.
With this regard, a new set of Proprietary Food regulations under Regulation 2.12 of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards & Food Additives) Regulations, 2016 were established. These Regulations were operationalized on 13 January 2016 and had several revisions.
The latest amendment of the regulation was later issued on October 10, 2016, as Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Ninth Amendment Regulations, 2016. These were effective from 01 July 2017.
According to this regulation, Proprietary Food may be defined as any food item that has not been standardized but does not include novel foods, foods for dietary uses, foods for medical purposes, health supplements, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and other food items which the Central Government may notify in this behalf.
What is the Scope of Proprietary Foods?
Proprietary Food covers non-standardized food. There have been no identity standards mentioned in the regulations for such food items. However, the novel food categories, food for dietary uses, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and health supplements are excluded from the scope of proprietary food as defined in the regulation.
Also, any changes in the quality parameters of the standardized food may not qualify the resulting products as proprietary food.
Who can apply for FSSAI Proprietary Food License?
Any Food Business Operators who are involved in the processing, manufacturing, storing, distributing and sale of proprietary food can apply for the FSSAI Proprietary food License in India.
How to apply for FSSAI Proprietary Food License?
As per FSSAI, the licensing of Proprietary food is governed under the provisions of sub-Regulation 2.12 of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations]. The Food Business Operators need to conform to the sub- Regulation 2.12 for the License for Proprietary food.
Below are the steps to apply for the FSSAI Proprietary food License:
- Step 1: Visit the site https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
- Step 2: Go to the License/Registration and Apply for License/Registration.
- Step 3: Click on Apply for License/Registration.
- Step 4: Select the State and proceed with readingthe note.
- Step 5: Read the group headings of Kind of Business{Manufacturer}. Select a Proprietary Kind of Business.
- Step 6: Fill in all the mandatory fields as shown in Form B.
- Step 7: Upload the relevant set of documents.
- Step 8: Pay the fee with available payment modes and apply.
- Step 9: As you complete the payment, a receipt will be generated with a 17-digit reference number which needs to be saved for future reference.
- Step 10: The user may track the application status through https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
Essential Documents for FSSAI Proprietary Food License
The following list of documents is essential while applying for the FSSAI Proprietary food License as a manufacturing FBO:
- Production unit photograph.
- An undertaking from FBO on letterhead.
- Proof of possession of premises, such as Sale deed, Electricity bill, Rent agreement etc.
- Partnership Deed/Self Declaration for Proprietorship.
- Identity and address proof issued by the Authority of the Proprietor/Authorized Signatory.
- List of company Directors with complete addresses and contact details.
- Blueprint plan of the processing unit mentioning the dimensions and operation-wise area allocation.
- Name and List of Equipment and Machinery along with the number, installed capacity and horsepower used.
- Form IX: Nomination of Persons by a Company with the Board Resolution.
- Analysis report of water used as an ingredient in food from a recognized health laboratory to confirm the potable.
Validity for FSSAI Proprietary Food License?
FSSAI Proprietary food License may remain valid for a period of one to five years as issued by the Authorities. The FBOs may apply for renewal of the license thirty days prior to the expiry date of the existing license. Renewal after expiry incurs fine.