Food processing (changing the state of food for preservation or value addition) involves the use of additives, preservatives, and specific thermal treatments. FSSAI maintains a strict list of 'Approved Additives' that every processor must follow.
Whether you are pickling, canning, or making ready-to-eat meals, you must only use preservatives within the limits defined by FSSAI for that specific food category. Using non-approved chemicals to extend shelf life is strictly prohibited.
If your product doesn't fit into an existing FSSAI category (e.g., a unique herbal-infused snack), it might be treated as a 'Proprietary Food', which requires a deeper ingredient-level audit during the licensing process.
Processors must conduct scientific shelf-life testing to back the 'Best Before' dates on their labels. FSSAI officers may ask for these lab reports during routine inspections to verify your claims.
Process with precision. Pragati Services helps food processing startups navigate the technical standards and additives compliance of FSSAI.
Discover detailed compliance guides specifically for your industry.
Still Confused? Talk to an Expert
Get a free consultation for your food business.
Login to your account or create a new one on the Citizen Portal.
Browse services and select 'FSSAI Registration' from the list.
Make a secure online payment of the service fee.
Your application is submitted instantly to our team.
• An invoice is automatically generated and available for your records.
• You can track the live status of your application in the 'My Applications' section.
• Our dedicated Pragati support team will contact you within 4–5 hours to collect the required documents and complete the processing.
Do I need FSSAI for a small pickling business?
Yes, pickling is a food processing activity and requires at least a Basic FSSAI Registration.
What is a 'Recall Plan'?
FSSAI mandates that processors have a documented plan to 'recall' or pull back products from the market if a safety issue is discovered later.
Is FoSTaC training needed for processing factory workers?
Yes, at least one trained supervisor per 25 workers is the mandatory standard for food processing units.