How Organic Food Businesses Can Meet FSSAI Standards

FSSAI Registration is a mandatory government registration in India for any business involved in the food business. It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure that food products are safe, hygienic, and fit for consumption. Organic food businesses are growing fast in India as more customers choose clean, chemical-free, and healthy food options. But along with this growth comes a major responsibility: ensuring food safety. Whether you sell organic fruits, vegetables, grains, cold-pressed oils, dairy, packaged foods, or run an organic food processing unit, FSSAI Standards are mandatory.

Why FSSAI Standards Matter for Organic Food Businesses

Organic food promises purity, quality, and natural ingredients. But without proper safety checks, even organic food can become unsafe due to:

• Poor handling

• Contamination

• Mislabeling

• Chemical exposure

• Packaging issues

• Incorrect storage

FSSAI Standards help ensure that your organic products remain truly organic, safe to eat, and free from harmful contamination.

Key benefits of meeting FSSAI standards:

• Builds customer trust

• Ensures legal compliance

• Protects brand credibility

• Helps in marketing and labeling

• Allows easier entry into supermarkets and online platforms

• Ensures clean, safe, hygienic operations

• Helps expand into exports

For organic food brands, maintaining trust is everything. FSSAI compliance helps you keep that trust.

FSSAI Requirements for Organic Food Businesses

Organic food businesses must follow specific FSSAI rules under:

• Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017

• FSS (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations

• General FSSAI Safety and Hygiene Guidelines

These rules apply to:

• Organic farmers

• Organic retail stores

• Organic food processors

• Organic product manufacturers

• Cold-pressed oil units

• Organic juice and beverage companies

• Organic packaged food businesses

Below are the main steps and standards you must follow.

1. Get the Correct FSSAI License

Every organic food business must have either:

• FSSAI Registration (Basic): For small businesses with a turnover below ₹12 lakhs.

• FSSAI State License: For businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 crores or operating within one state.

• FSSAI Central License: For turnover above ₹20 crores, import/export, or interstate operations.

2. Ensure Valid Organic Certification (NPOP or PGS)

FSSAI requires organic food companies to follow one of the two recognized certification systems:

• NPOP Certification: Used mostly for export-quality organic products.

• PGS-India Certification: Suitable for small farmers and local markets.

You must display your certification clearly on your packaging.

3. Comply with FSSAI Organic Labeling Rules

Organic food labeling is strict and must include:

• FSSAI logo + license number

• “Organic” label

• NPOP or PGS-India certification logo

• Batch number / Lot number

• Net weight

• Ingredients list

• Nutritional information

• Best-before date

• Manufacturer details

• Storage instructions

Mislabeling or false claims can result in penalties.

4. Maintain High Hygiene and Food Safety Standards

FSSAI requires organic businesses to follow strict hygiene rules:

1. Clean Processing Areas: Keep surfaces, machines, and tools clean and free from contamination.
2. Safe Water Usage: Only clean, potable water must be used for washing and processing.
3. Pest Control: No chemicals allowed — use organic pest control measures.
4. Proper Waste Disposal: Waste should be disposed of safely without contaminating raw materials.

5. Store Raw Materials the Right Way

Organic raw materials are delicate and can spoil easily. FSSAI requires:

• Separate storage for organic and non-organic items

• Proper temperature control

• Airtight containers

• No use of harmful chemicals

• Moisture-free storage

This ensures the food remains pure and chemical-free.

6. Maintain Proper Documentation

FSSAI requires organic businesses to keep proper records, including:

• Raw material purchase records

• Certification proofs

• Processing records

• Temperature logs

• Packaging records

• Hygiene audits

• Test reports

Good documentation helps you stay compliant and avoid legal issues.

7. Conduct Regular Food Testing

Organic food must be free from:

• Pesticides

• Heavy metals

• Synthetic chemicals

• Preservatives

• Artificial colors

To prove this, FSSAI recommends testing in NABL-accredited labs. Regular testing ensures product safety and builds trust.

8. Ensure Clean and Safe Packaging

Packaging must:

• Be food-grade

• Not react with organic food

• Protect from moisture and contamination

• Be tamper-proof

Environment-friendly packaging is preferred for organic products.

9. Train Staff for Food Safety

Your team should know:

• Hygiene rules

• Safe food handling

• Cleaning procedures

• Packaging standards

• Storage rules

Note: You can also Apply for FSSAI Annual Return Filing from our website

Conclusion

The organic food sector runs on trust, purity, and safety. Meeting FSSAI Standards not only keeps your business legally compliant but also strengthens customer confidence and enhances your brand value. With FSSAI compliance, you can deliver safe, chemical-free food, maintain high-quality standards, enter big markets and online platforms, and protect your reputation. It also supports long-term growth by ensuring your products remain reliable and trustworthy. For any organic food business, FSSAI compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential for success.