No, it is illegal to sell food products in India without a valid FSSAI license or registration certificate. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, makes it mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) in India to obtain a food license or registration certificate from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) before selling food products.
The FSSAI license or registration certificate is a legal requirement that ensures that the food products sold by the business meet the necessary food safety and quality standards set by the FSSAI. The license or registration certificate also contains important information such as the name and address of the food business operator, the type of food business, and the food product categories that the business is authorized to manufacture or sell.
Failure to obtain a valid FSSAI license or registration certificate can result in penalties, fines, and legal consequences. In addition to this, selling food products without a license or registration certificate can also pose a risk to consumer health and safety, as the products may not meet the necessary food safety and quality standards.
Legal consequences: Selling food products without a valid FSSAI license or registration certificate is illegal and can lead to legal consequences such as penalties, fines, and even imprisonment. The amount of penalty or fine varies based on the nature of the violation and can be significant, which can cause financial damage to the business.
Consumer safety: The FSSAI license or registration certificate ensures that the food products sold by the business meet the necessary food safety and quality standards. Without this certificate, there is no guarantee that the food products are safe for consumption, and this can pose a risk to consumer health and safety.
Damage to brand reputation: Selling food products without an FSSAI license or registration certificate can damage the brand reputation of the business. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of food safety issues and are likely to avoid products from businesses that do not have the necessary permits and licenses.
Closure of the business: In extreme cases, the government may order the closure of the business for violating food safety and quality standards. This can lead to the loss of the business and livelihood of the FBO.
Therefore, it is crucial for all FBOs in India to obtain a valid FSSAI license or registration certificate before selling food products. The process of obtaining a license or registration certificate is straightforward and can be done online through the FSSAI portal. By obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, FBOs can not only avoid legal consequences but also ensure the safety of their consumers and protect their brand reputation.
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