Licenses
✍️ Team Fssai Licence • 13 July 2026 • 4 min read
Can I Run a Food Business Without an FSSAI Licence?
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Many new entrepreneurs often wonder if they can start the production and then apply for the approval from the authority later. The answer is No. In most cases every Food Business Operator (FBO) must obtain either FSSAI registration or a licence before commencing operations. Operating a food business without FSSAI Licence approval leads to loss of business when the authorities impose fines and other legal proceedings.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. When you manufacture, process, store, transport or sell food, then you are legally required to obtain approval. Legal Experts in this field can guide you and even help you with the application process.
Business that are required to obtain FSSAI approval:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Home-based food businesses
- Cloud kitchens
- Food manufacturers
- Caterers
- Retail food shops
- Food importers
- Food delivery businesses
- Online food sellers
What Can Happen If You Don't Have an FSSAI Licence?
FSSAI Violation | FSSAI Licence Penalty / Food Licence Fine | Applicable Provision |
|---|---|---|
Operating a food business without an FSSAI Licence or Registration | Fine of up to INR 5 lakh | Section 63 |
Selling unsafe food | Fine ranging from INR 1 lakh to INR 6 lakh, along with imprisonment of up to 6 months, depending on the offence | Sections 50 & 51 |
Selling misbranded food products | Fine of up to INR 3 lakh | Section 52 |
Selling adulterated food | Fine of INR 1 lakh to INR 6 lakh and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence | Sections 50 & 51 |
Selling food that causes serious injury | Fine of up to INR 5 lakh and imprisonment of up to 6 years | Section 59 |
Selling food that causes death | Fine of up to INR 10 lakh and imprisonment, which may extend to life imprisonment | Section 59 |
Obstructing a Food Safety Officer during inspection | Fine of up to INR 25,000 and imprisonment of up to 3 months | Section 60 |
Delay in FSSAI licence renewal | Late fee of INR 100 per day until renewal | FSSAI Licensing Regulations |
FSSAI Licence Updates 2026
There are several new updates that FSSAI has introduced to strengthen FSSAI compliance and improve food safety across the country.
- Health Star Rating: also known as HSR. It is a Front-of-pack nutrition labelling introduced in phases for packaged food products.
- Fortification Standards: Revised rules for fortified rice, wheat flour, edible oil, and milk, along with updated logo requirements .
- Mandatory FoSTaC Training: The State and Central FSSAI licence for food business must appoint at least once FoSTaC certified food safety supervisor.
- Updated Guidelines for Online Food Sellers: Food delivery platforms are required to verify FSSAI details and display licence information for listed food businesses.
- Vegan Food Regulations: FSSAI has introduced an official logo for certified vegan food products
- School Food Safety Regulations: Restrictions on sale of HFSS foods in and around schools and promoting healthy eating in schools.
Thus every eligible Food Business Operator must complete the appropriate FBO registration before starting operations.
There are several benefits with correct FSSAI Registration:
- Build customer trust and credibility.
- Avoid penalties and enforcement action.
- Expand through online marketplaces and retail chains.
- Demonstrate compliance with food safety standards.
How to Complete FSSAI Registration Online
The process is simplified by the government but if you require any help you can always contact our legal experts and they can guide you through the process.
Firstly Businesses can complete FSSAI registration online by selecting the correct licence category and submitting the required documents. After paying the fees they have to wait for inspection by the FSSAI personnels. Completing the inspection requirement is half the job done. After that once you get the approval, download the licence and display it on your premises or the food products.
Another important point to keep in mind, Businesses should renew their registration before it expires and update licence details whenever there are changes in ownership, address, or business activities
Conclusion
Running a food business without FSSAI licence approval is not worth the risk. Apart from legal penalties, businesses may face inspections, business interruptions, reputational damage, and missed growth opportunities.
FBOs using the correct FSSAI Licence for operation protects their interest as well as the customers. FBO registration is simple and by that you can operate legally and focus on growth.