FSSAI Registration for Street Food Vendors

India is famous for its tasty street food. Every city, town, and village has street food vendors selling items like chaat, samosas, pakoras, momos, pav bhaji, dosas, and many more. People love to eat from roadside stalls and food carts because of their unique flavors and reasonable prices.

But food safety is very important. The food we eat should be clean, hygienic, and safe. To make sure street food is safe, the government has made it necessary for food sellers, including street food vendors, to get FSSAI Registration.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about FSSAI registration for street food vendors in simple and easy language. You will learn what FSSAI is, why it is needed, who needs it, how to apply for it, what documents are required, how much it costs, and the benefits it offers.

What is FSSAI?

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government organization that comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its main job is to check the quality and safety of food in India.

FSSAI makes sure the food that people eat is clean, safe, and healthy. It sets rules and guidelines about how food should be made, stored, packed, and sold. All kinds of food sellers, whether big restaurants, food factories, food delivery businesses, or small street food vendors, need to follow these rules.

Why is FSSAI Registration Important for Street Food Vendors?

FSSAI registration is important for everyone selling food, including street food vendors. Here are some simple reasons why it is important:

1. Legal Requirement

According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006, every person or business involved in food selling, whether small or big, must get FSSAI registration or license.

2. Customer Trust

When a street food vendor has an FSSAI registration, people feel safe eating food from them because it means the vendor is following food safety rules.

3. Health and Hygiene

FSSAI registration makes sure the vendor prepares food in a clean, hygienic, and safe way, reducing health risks.

4. Avoids Fines and Legal Trouble

Selling food without registration can result in penalties, fines, or business closure by the authorities.

5. Better Business Opportunities

With registration, vendors can expand their business, sell food in fairs, events, or even supply to canteens and offices.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration?

Any street food vendor who prepares and sells food items directly to customers should have FSSAI Basic Registration. This includes:

• Roadside food carts
  
  


• Mobile food vans
  
  


• Small tea stalls
  
  


• Chaat stalls
  
  


• Snack sellers
  
  


• Juice stalls
  
  


• Fast food carts
  
  


• Temporary food stalls at fairs or festivals
  
  

If the vendor’s annual income is up to Rs. 12 lakh, they need to get Basic FSSAI Registration. If the business grows beyond Rs. 12 lakh, they will need a State or Central license depending on their size and location.

Types of FSSAI Registration

FSSAI offers three types of registration and licenses, based on the size and income of the food business:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

• For small food businesses.
  
  


• Annual turnover up to Rs. 12 lakh.
  
  


• Suitable for street food vendors.

2. FSSAI State License

• For medium-sized businesses.
  
  


• Annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 crore.

3. FSSAI Central License

• For large businesses.
  
  


• Annual turnover more than Rs. 20 crore.

For street food vendors, only FSSAI Basic Registration is needed.

Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

The documents needed for FSSAI Basic Registration for street food vendors are simple and easy to arrange. These include:

• copyright-sized photograph of the vendor.
  
  


• Aadhar card or other government ID proof.
  
  


• Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, or voter card).
  
  


• Business name and place details (for food carts or stalls).
  
  


• List of food items to be sold.
  
  


• Declaration of food safety compliance.

Sometimes, authorities may also ask for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipal body.

How to Apply for FSSAI Registration

FSSAI registration can be done online or offline.

1. Visit Website – Open the official FSSAI registration portal.


2. Fill Application Form – Enter your name, business details, and food category, and upload your PAN card.


3. Review & Submit – Check all details and submit the form.


4. Pay Fee – Complete the payment online as per your license type.


5. Verify OTP – Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile or email.


6. Inspection (If Required) – Officials may inspect your premises for approval.


7. Get an FSSAI License – Download your FSSAI license from the website once approved.

Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Street Food Vendors

There are many benefits of getting an FSSAI registration for street food vendors:

1. Legal Permission

Gives legal permission to run your food stall or cart.

2. Builds Trust

Customers feel more confident buying food from vendors with registration.

3. Food Safety Awareness

Vendors learn to maintain proper hygiene and safety while preparing and serving food.

4. Avoids Legal Issues

You stay protected from heavy fines and legal action by the local authorities.

5. Improves Business Image

Helps build a good reputation among customers and other food businesses.

6. Opens More Opportunities

Lets you participate in food fairs, events, or supply food to local shops or offices.

Food Safety Tips for Street Food Vendors

Having an FSSAI registration means you must follow certain safety and hygiene rules:

• Keep your food cart, utensils, and hands clean.
  
  


• Use clean, fresh water for cooking and washing.
  
  


• Always wear gloves or keep nails short and clean.
  
  


• Store food items in covered containers.
  
  


• Avoid using spoiled or expired ingredients.
  
  


• Dispose of waste properly in dustbins.
  
  


• Keep raw and cooked food separate.
  
  


• Use clean and safe cooking oil.
  
  


• Serve food in clean plates, bowls, or disposable plates.
  
  


• Avoid smoking or spitting near the food area.
  
  

Following these tips will help you keep your customers safe and your business running well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While applying for FSSAI registration, street food vendors should avoid these common mistakes:

• Giving wrong information in the form.
  
  


• Not uploading clear documents.
  
  


• Ignoring the registration renewal date.
  
  


• Not displaying the FSSAI number on the cart or stall.
  
  


• Not following proper hygiene and safety practices.

How FSSAI Supports Street Food Vendors

The government understands the importance of street food vendors in India’s economy and culture. FSSAI regularly conducts training programs and awareness drives for food vendors under the Eat Right India movement.

Some special initiatives by FSSAI include:

• Clean Street Food Hubs: Designating safe and hygienic street food zones.
  
  


• Training and Certification: Helping vendors understand good food handling practices.
  
  


• Food Safety Display Boards: Advising vendors to display basic safety tips for public awareness.

Suggested read: FSSAI Licence Registration in India

Conclusion

Street food is a special part of India’s food culture. People love to enjoy quick, tasty, and affordable snacks from roadside stalls. But to keep this experience safe and healthy, street food vendors need to follow food safety laws.

In this article, we have explained everything about FSSAI registration for street food vendors — what it is, why it is important, who needs it, how to apply, required documents, fees, benefits, and more. Getting FSSAI Basic Registration is simple, affordable, and legally necessary.

If you are a street food vendor or planning to start your food cart, apply for your FSSAI registration today. It will protect your business, keep your customers safe, and open new opportunities for your future.