Food businesses in India need an FSSAI food license in order to operate legally. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for ensuring food safety. It enforces food businesses’ adherence to the Food and Safety License requirements.

Many businesses apply for an FSSAI license, but not all get approval. FSSAI license rejection is common due to mistakes in the application. Missing documents, incorrect details, and compliance issues lead to rejection.

Business activities may be delayed if an application is denied. Penalties or reputational damage may also follow. Businesses must meticulously adhere to FOSCOS registration standards in order to avoid rejection.

This page will outline the typical grounds for denying an FSSAI licence. Additionally, it will offer ways to guarantee a smooth approval process and prevent rejection.

Understanding FSSAI and Its Importance and Types 

The acronym FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government agency in India that oversees food safety and quality. To preserve cleanliness and quality, all food firms must follow FSSAI requirements. 

Why is an FSSAI License Important?

Companies, restaurants, and food manufacturers are obliged to get an FSSAI food licence. It guarantees that the food for sale is safe and sanitary. Without this licence, firms cannot lawfully operate in India.

Types of FSSAI Licenses

The FSSAI grants various licenses according to the size of the company:

  • Basic FSSAI Registration – For small enterprises with ₹12 lakh in revenue.
  • State FSSAI License – For companies with yearly sales of ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore. 
  • Central FSSAI License – For big companies with annual revenue beyond ₹20 crore. 

Choosing the right FSSAI license is important to avoid application rejection.

What is FOSCOS FSSAI Registration?

The FSSAI operates an online platform called FOSCOS (Food Safety Compliance System). It makes it easy for businesses to apply for food and safety permits.

Businesses can apply for a new FSSAI food license or renew an existing one by registering with FOSCOS. Additionally, it enables online application status checks for the FSSAI. 

FOSCOS makes the licensing process simpler and more transparent. But mistakes in the application can still lead to FSSAI license rejection.

Common Reasons for FSSAI License Rejection

Getting an FSSAI food license is important for every food business. However, many applications face FSSAI license rejection due to common mistakes. Understanding these mistakes can help businesses avoid rejection.

Incomplete or Incorrect Application

Many applications are rejected because of missing or incorrect details. Errors in business name, address, or contact information cause problems. FSSAI requires accurate and complete information for approval.

Verify all the information on the FOSCOS FSSAI registration form once more before pressing submit. A little error might cause the approval process to drag on.

Invalid or Missing Documents

In order to obtain an FSSAI food license, documentation is essential. Should any necessary document be absent, the application will be denied.

Common missing documents include:

  • Business registration certificate (GST, Shop Act, or Incorporation Certificate).
  • Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID).
  • Address proof (utility bill, rental agreement, or ownership papers).
  • Food safety management plan (for manufacturing units).

Make sure all documents are clear, updated, and correctly formatted. Uploading blurred or incorrect files can lead to rejection.

Mismatch in Business Details

The business details in the application must match official records. If the business name, address, or category is different, the FSSAI license may be rejected.

For example:

  • If the GST registration shows one address and the FSSAI application has another, rejection is possible.
  • If the business name is spelled differently, FSSAI may reject the application.

Always check that the information matches official business documents.

Incorrect Category Selection

The FSSAI offers three different kinds of food licenses according to business type and sales. Rejection results from many firms choosing the incorrect category. 

  • Basic FSSAI Registration – For businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh.
  • State FSSAI License – For turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
  • Central FSSAI License – For turnover above ₹20 crore or businesses in multiple states.

Choosing the wrong license can cause delays. If unsure, consult an FSSAI expert before applying.

Non-Compliance with Food Safety Regulations

FSSAI maintains stringent requirements for quality and cleanliness to guarantee food safety. A company’s food safety license might be revoked if it doesn’t adhere to these requirements. 

Reasons for rejection due to non-compliance:

  • Poor hygiene conditions in the food business.
  • Unsafe storage or handling of food products.
  • Lack of quality control measures.

To avoid rejection, businesses must maintain clean facilities and follow safety rules.

Delay in FSSAI License Renewal

FSSAI licenses need to be renewed before they expire. If the renewal process is delayed, the food license may get rejected.

Common reasons for license renewal rejection:

  • Missed renewal deadline (apply at least 30 days before expiry).
  • Updated documents not submitted with the renewal request.
  • Pending penalties or compliance issues.

Check the FOSCOS registration portal for renewal deadlines. Submitting the renewal request on time prevents rejection.

How to Avoid FSSAI License Rejection

Many businesses face FSSAI license rejection due to avoidable mistakes. Following the correct process can help get approval easily. Below are the best ways to avoid FSSAI license rejection and ensure smooth approval.

Ensure Complete and Correct Application

A complete and accurate application is key to getting an FSSAI food license. Businesses must provide correct details such as:

  • Business name (as per legal documents).
  • Address (matching GST and other records).
  • Owner’s name and contact details.

Before submitting, carefully review all information. Even small errors can delay approval.

Submit All Required Documents

Documents play a key role in the FOSCOS FSSAI registration process. Missing or incorrect documents can cause rejection.

Important documents include:

  • Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID).
  • Business registration certificate (GST, Shop Act, or Incorporation Certificate).
  • Provide evidence, such as a property document, rental agreement, or utility bill.
  • Management strategy for food safety (for manufacturers).

Verify the validity, clarity, and formatting of every document. Refrain from sending outdated or inaccurate files. 

Choose the Correct FSSAI License Type

Selecting the wrong license type can cause rejection. FSSAI provides three types of food licenses:

  • Basic FSSAI Registration – For businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh.
  • State FSSAI License – For turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
  • Central FSSAI License – For turnover above ₹20 crore or businesses in multiple states.

Understand your business size and category before applying. If unsure, consult an FSSAI expert for guidance.

Follow Food Safety Guidelines

Businesses must follow food safety regulations to get approval. FSSAI inspects food businesses to check hygiene standards.

To follow safety rules:

  • Maintain clean and hygienic premises.
  • Use safe storage and packaging methods.
  • Train employees on safe food handling techniques. 

Businesses can satisfy FSSAI regulations with the use of routine audits and quality inspections. 

Timely Renewal of FSSAI License

A food license issued by the FSSAI is valid for one to five years. To prevent rejection, businesses must renew it prior to its expiration.

Steps to ensure smooth renewal:

  • Apply at least 30 days before expiry.
  • Submit all updated documents along with the renewal request.
  • Check the FOSCOS registration portal for renewal status.

Delays in renewal may result in FSSAI license rejection or penalties.

Seek Professional Help

Businesses might employ an FSSAI expert if they find the procedure complex. Professionals assist in: 

  • Filing the application correctly.
  • Selecting the right license type.
  • Ensuring compliance with food safety laws.

Using professional help reduces the chances of rejection and saves time.

Steps to Take if Your FSSAI License is Rejected

Sometimes, even after careful application, FSSAI license rejection happens. This can delay business operations and cause inconvenience. If your application is rejected, follow these steps to fix the issue.

Identify the Reason for Rejection

The first step is to understand why your application was refused. To learn why you were rejected, visit the FOSCOS FSSAI registration page. 

Common reasons include:

  • Missing or incorrect documents.
  • Mismatch in business details.
  • Selection of the wrong license category.
  • Non-compliance with food safety standards.

Being aware of the precise problem will enable you to act appropriately. 

Rectify and Resubmit the Application

After identifying the issue, correct the mistakes and reapply for an FSSAI food license.

Steps to resubmit:

  • Correct the application’s inaccurate information.
  • Attach missing or updated documents.
  • Choose the correct license category if needed.
  • Ensure the application meets food and safety license guidelines.

Before resubmitting, review everything carefully to avoid further rejection.

File an Appeal with FSSAI Authorities

You have the right to appeal if you think the rejection of your application was unreasonable.

Steps to appeal:

  • Write an appeal letter explaining the issue.
  • Provide supporting documents to prove compliance.
  • Submit the appeal to the FSSAI regional office.

FSSAI will review the request and may reconsider the application.

Seek Professional Guidance

If you have any queries about the operation, consult with a specialist. Expert FSSAI experts can aid with:  

  • Understanding the rejection reason.
  • Correcting errors in the application.
  • Ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations.

Hiring an expert reduces delays and increases the chance of approval.

Conclusion

Operating a food company lawfully requires an FSSAI food licence. Many applications are denied because of typical errors. 

To avoid rejection:

  • Provide accurate information and submit the correct documents.
  • Observe and guarantee adherence to food safety rules.
  • Renew your license on time to avoid fines.

Find out why your FSSAI license was denied, address the problem, and submit another application. The procedure may also be streamlined by seeking expert assistance. 

Businesses may easily obtain an FSSAI food license and run efficiently by following these procedures.