New Procedure for Food Safety Mitra Registration

Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced the Online Renewal Procedure of Food Safety Mitra certificates vide a notification dated 22^nd December 2021. Food Safety Mitra Scheme has been launched to strengthen food safety administration. FSM scheme supports small and medium-scale food businesses following the food safety law. This is done by facilitating licensing and registration, hygiene ratings, and training. Now, the whole procedure of becoming FSM is made end-to-end online and the procedure for renewal of the FSM certificate by existing Food Safety Mitra has also been made online. Also, read Food Safety Training and Certification (FOSTAC)

Synopsis of FSSAI Notification

To simplify the process of obtaining an FSM certificate, FSSAI has now introduced an online examination for enrolment of Food Safety Mitra.
The whole procedure of becoming FSM is made end-to-end online
After registration, candidates can complete online training and examination at their convenience.
The procedure for renewal of the FSM certificate by existing Food Safety Mitra has also been made online.

Food Safety Mitra Scheme (FSM)

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched Food Safety Mitra Scheme (FSM) in the year 2019 to assist Food Business operators in obtaining licensing/registration and related matters.

Food Safety Mitra

Food Safety Mitra(FSM) is an individual who undergoes training and is certified by FSSAI to perform activities on behalf of food business operators concerning the implementation of the FSS Act, Rules, and Regulations.

Food Safety Mitra Certificate

FSM is certified by FSSAl after successful completion of training and assessment. Once certified, the validity of FSM certification will be 2 years.
Depending on the kind of work they do, FSMs may be required to undergo intermediate training.
To ensure that FSMs are invested in the success of the scheme and its goals, a refundable security deposit may be collected at the time of certification. Presently, Rs 5000/- shall be collected from FSMs.

For more details on Food Safety Mitra Scheme (FSM), click here

New FSM Registration – Online Procedure

The new FSM Registration process is explained in detail below:

The applicant needs to access the official website of the Food Safety Mitra (FSM) Scheme. Click on the “Apply Online” link which is visible on the home page of the portal.
Now, complete the online application form with the required details such as personal details, qualification details, contact details, etc.
After filling the form, read the terms and conditions carefully and click on the “Agree” button. Click on the “Register Yourself” button to complete the registration process.

Payment of Registration Pay

After registration candidates have to pay registration charges of Rs. 500/- to go for training and online Assessment.

Online Assessment Examination

FSSAI has now introduced Online Assessment Examination. The exam will be of 100 Marks in which candidates have to acquire a minimum of 75 Marks for Passing the Examination.

If the candidate fails in the exam he has to repay the registration fees of Rs.500/- and undergo training and online assessment.
Candidates, who have already paid the registration fees and waiting for assessment, can go for an online assessment if the training module is completed.

Download FSM Certificate

Once a candidate passes the exam he has to pay a security deposit of Rs. 5000/- f. The certificate will be downloaded after the payment of the security deposit and approval from the respective regional offices. After completion of the assessment, the food safety Mitra will be provided with a certificate that is valid for two years. Depending upon the service provided by the FSM to the food business operator, FSM would be required to undergo intermediate training.

Renewal of the FSM certificate

The procedure for renewal of the FSM certificate by existing Food Safety Mitra has also been made online.

Prescribed date for FSM Certificate Renewal

FSSAI announced that FSM can able to apply for renewal of the certificate from a period of 6 months before the expiry date and upto 6 months after the expiry date of the certificate.
If renewal is not applied upto 6 months after the expiry date of the certificate, the certificate shall not be renewed in any case. Willing FSM, whose certificate has been expired, will be required to apply for a fresh certificate.

Condition s for FSM Certificate Renewal

The conditions and detailed procedure for renewing the FSM certificate are explained below: Food Safety Mitra who have applied 50 or more Licenses/Registrations through FoSCoS in the period from the date of issuance of the last certificate to the date of expiry of the certificate, shall be allowed for the instant renewal of his/her certificate and extend the validity by 2 years on providing the Consent/Declaration. The renewal procedure will not require FSM to undergo any further examination. FSM who have not applied even 50 applications of Licenses/Registrations through FoSCoS. will be required to reappear for the FSM test on the deposition of exam registration fee of Rs.500/- [as per existing fee]. After clearing the exam, FSM Certificate will be generated with 2 years validity and he/she will not be required to submit the security deposit [if Carlier security deposit has not been withdrawn].

Procedure to Exit the FSM scheme

Food Safety Mitra who wants to exit the FSM scheme can apply for withdrawal of FSM Certificate and Security Deposit through the FSM portal only. This security deposit will be refunded in case an FSM chooses to exit from the scheme. In case of a complaint or on assessment of the performance, FSSAI may impose a penalty by way of forfeiture of deposit, suspension for some time, and cancellation of certificate of FSM or debarring future registration as FSM for a specified period. The grounds of the cancellation which may warrant such actions are given below:

if State Food Safety Authorities report any misconduct of FSM.
if FSM refuses to give a copy of the receipt/acknowledgment to the FBO;
if FSM fails to furnish his name and unique identification number in the application/ return filed by him;
if FSM fails to enter any information made available to him by the FBO, correctly in the application/ return by him;
if FSM makes repeated mistakes relating to filing of applications/returns prepared by him;
if FSM makes a wrong or fraudulent application/return despite being in the know
if FSM is engaged in any financial irregularity, forgery, or fraud;
if FSM fails to comply with the directions issued by the FSSAI from time to time;
if FSM fails to upgrade the skills as required by the FSSAI from time to time; or
If FSM, after issuance of FSM Certificate to him under this Scheme, takes employment in any Government Department.
Any act in violation of these guidelines or otherwise may lead to a wrong declaration to the Authority by FBO.

Before, cancellation, Food Authority may allow FSM to explain his/her position. For more details on Procedure to Obtain Food Business Operator License in India click here