Food safety and quality are critical concerns in India, and the government has established several agencies and certifications to ensure that food products are of high quality and safe for consumption. Two of the most well-known certifications in India are FSSAI and AGMARK. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what these certifications are, what they stand for, and how they differ from each other.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is an independent statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. FSSAI’s main goal is to regulate and supervise the food industry to ensure that food products produced and sold in India are safe, hygienic, and of high quality. It basically provides food licence registration to the food business operators. The FSSAI is responsible for laying down scientific standards for food products and ensuring that they are met by all food businesses operating in India. One needs to complete the FSSAI registration process to obtain FSSAI licence registration
What is AGMARK Certification?
AGMARK, on the other hand, stands for Agriculture Marketing and it is a quality certification mark that is issued by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The AGMARK certification is primarily intended for agricultural products such as grains, cereals, pulses, spices, and oilseeds. The certification is designed to ensure that these products meet high-quality standards, are free from impurities, and are safe for consumption. The AGMARK registration is seen as a symbol of quality and purity, and consumers trust products that carry the AGMARK logo.
Difference Between FSSAI and AGMARK
While both FSSAI and AGMARK certifications serve the same purpose of ensuring the quality and safety of food products, there are some key differences between the two. These can be encapsulated as follows:
|
Parameters |
FSSAI |
AGMARK |
|
Applicable Law |
It is covered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI is a government body. |
It is covered under the Agriculture Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act of India, 1937 |
|
Coverage |
FSSAI certificate is comprehensive that covers all food products. This includes both agricultural and non-agricultural products. |
AGMARK products specifically include only agricultural products. AGMARK does not deal with non-agricultural food products. |
|
Responsibility |
FSSAI is responsible for setting food safety and quality standards. Further, it deals with all the ancillary functions from manufacturing to storage, sale, re-labelling, imports, exports and safety of food items. |
AGMARK is responsible for testing and certifying products to ensure that they meet these standards. |
|
Mandatory or Voluntary |
FSSAI registration is a mandatory certification for all food businesses operating in India. |
AGMARK is primarily a voluntary certification for agricultural products. However, it is mandatory for blended edible vegetable oils and fat spreads. |
|
Certification |
Certificate for FSSAI depends upon the quality, business activity and turnover of the applicant. It becomes applicable for each establishment irrespective of whether they are operating under the same brand name. |
The certificate is allotted based on the analysis of the product. |
Which Food Licence Registration Should You Obtain?
In conclusion, both FSSAI and AGMARK are important certifications for food businesses in India. They serve the same purpose of ensuring the quality and safety of food products, but they do so in different ways and for different types of products. Depending on your product or service, you shall obtain the above food licence online. By obtaining these certifications, food businesses can demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety and help build trust with consumers. In case you need any assistance with AGMARK or FSSAI registration, feel free to reach out to the eAuditor Office
