Quick Answer
School canteens catering to children and adolescents are held to some of the highest food safety standards under FSSAI. FSSAI issued specific guidelines for school canteens in 2015 and these canteens require State License and must meet child-appropriate nutrition and safety standards.
Who Needs FSSAI License for School Canteen?
- Government and private school canteens
- Mid-day meal program operators
- School tuck shops and snack counters
- College and university food outlets
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and printed on all packaging, bills, and menus.
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ If your business operates across multiple states, a Central FSSAI License is required regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Aadhaar of canteen operator
- School NOC and permission letter
- Canteen premises proof within school
- Menu approved by school management
- FSMS plan tailored to school environment
- Food handler health certificates
- Hygiene and cleaning schedule
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central License.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with your details.
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
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Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What FSSAI guidelines apply specifically to school canteens?
FSSAI issued the "Guidelines on Food Safety and Standards in School Canteens" in 2015. These prohibit junk food (chips, carbonated beverages, aerated drinks) in school canteens and promote nutritious, balanced meals.
Are carbonated drinks and chips banned in school canteens under FSSAI?
Yes. FSSAI guidelines prohibit carbonated drinks, high-sugar beverages, deep-fried snacks, and high-salt-sugar-fat (HSSF) foods in school canteens to promote child health.
Who is responsible if a child falls ill from school canteen food?
The canteen operator holds primary FSSAI responsibility. If the canteen is outsourced, the contract should clearly define food safety responsibilities. Schools can be held accountable for permitting non-compliant food operations.
Do mid-day meal program kitchens need FSSAI License?
Yes. All commercial food operations including government mid-day meal program kitchens require FSSAI License. These kitchens are subject to regular FSSAI inspections given the large number of children served daily.
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