FOOD CATEGORIES

FSSAI Food Product Categories

Search FSSAI food product categories for proper food business licensing and product classification.

Why Food Product Categories Matter?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) classifies food products into different categories. Correct classification determines the type of food business license you need, applicable hygiene standards, and labeling requirements. Food businesses must identify the right category for their products under FSSAI regulations.

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License Determination

Category determines licensing requirement

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Compliance Standards

Different hygiene & safety standards apply

Search Food Categories

📋 License Categories

✓ FSSAI Basic License: Home-based/small operations
✓ State License: Medium-scale operations
✓ Central License: Large-scale/multi-state operations
✓ Category-based: Different requirements for each food type
✓ Product shelf-life affects classification

💡 Key Classification Factors

🥘 Raw vs. Processed
❄️ Perishable vs. Non-perishable
🧬 Use of chemicals/additives
📦 Packaging type
🧪 Health hazard level
⏱️ Shelf-life duration

Unsure About Your Product Category?

Our food business experts can help you classify your products correctly and guide you through FSSAI licensing and compliance requirements.

📄 FSSAI Product Categories 💬 WhatsApp

Major FSSAI Food Product Categories

🍞 Bakery Products

• Bread & Buns
• Cakes & Pastries
• Biscuits
• Cookies
• Doughnuts

Generally Category A - Basic License

🥛 Dairy Products

• Milk & Variants
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Butter & Ghee
• Ice Cream

Generally Category B - State License

🍖 Meat & Seafood

• Meat Products
• Fish & Seafood
• Processed Meat
• Sausages
• Canned Meat

Generally Category C - State License

🥤 Beverages

• Tea & Coffee
• Juices
• Soft Drinks
• Milk Beverages
• Energy Drinks

Generally Category A/B - Basic/State License

🍬 Sweets & Confectionery

• Chocolates
• Candies
• Laddoos
• Barfis
• Jellies

Generally Category A - Basic License

🥫 Canned & Preserved

• Pickles & Chutneys
• Jams & Spreads
• Canned Vegetables
• Dried Fruits
• Fermented Foods

Generally Category A/B - Basic/State License

🌶️ Spices & Seasonings

• Dry Spices
• Masalas
• Grinding Mills
• Seasoning Powders
• Food Colors

Generally Category A - Basic License

🌾 Oils & Fats

• Cooking Oils
• Ghee
• Butter
• Vegetable Oils
• Oil Processing

Generally Category B - State License

🍜 Ready-to-Eat Foods

• Instant Noodles
• Ready Meals
• Frozen Foods
• Cooked Foods
• Meal Preparations

Generally Category B/C - State/Central License

🔍 How to Classify Your Food Product?

Identify Product Type

Determine what category your product falls under (bakery, dairy, meat, beverages, etc.)

Check Perishability

Is your product perishable, frozen, or shelf-stable? This affects handling and licensing.

Review Ingredients

Check if additives, preservatives, or special ingredients affect classification.

Determine License Type

Based on category, identify if you need Basic, State, or Central FSSAI license.

📊 FSSAI License Requirements by Category

Category	Products	License Type
Category A	Bakery, Dry Snacks, Spices	Basic Registration
Category B	Dairy, Beverages, Processed Foods	State License
Category C	Meat, Seafood, High-risk Foods	State License
Category D	Large-scale Multi-state Operations	Central License

Frequently Asked Questions

What are FSSAI food product categories?

FSSAI food product categories are classifications defined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to group different types of food products. These categories help determine licensing requirements, safety standards, and labeling regulations.

How many food categories are there in FSSAI?

FSSAI has classified food products into various major categories including dairy products, fats and oils, cereals and cereal products, pulses, meat products, fish products, fruits and vegetables, beverages, and many more specialized categories.

Why is correct food product classification important?

Correct classification determines the type of FSSAI license required (Basic, State, or Central), applicable food safety standards, testing requirements, labeling rules, and compliance obligations for your food business.

What is the difference between Basic, State and Central license?

FSSAI Basic Registration is for small food businesses (turnover up to ₹12 lakhs), State License for medium businesses (₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores), and Central License for large businesses (above ₹20 crores) or those operating across states.

Can one product fall under multiple food categories?

Typically, each product falls under one primary food category based on its main characteristics and composition. However, composite products may need classification based on their predominant ingredient or intended use.

Do I need different licenses for different food categories?

No, a single FSSAI license covers all food products manufactured or sold by your business. However, you must list all product categories in your license application, and specific categories may require additional documentation.

What category does packaged food fall under?

Packaged food is classified based on the actual food product inside the package, not the packaging itself. For example, packaged snacks fall under relevant snack food categories, packaged beverages under beverage categories, etc.

Are food supplements considered food products?

Yes, food supplements (nutraceuticals, health supplements, protein powders) are considered special food products and fall under specific FSSAI categories with distinct standards and labeling requirements.

What is food product category for bakery items?

Bakery products generally fall under categories including bread and bakery wares (Category 7.1), which covers bread, biscuits, cakes, pastries, and similar baked goods. Different bakery items may have sub-categories.

Do restaurants need to specify food categories?

Yes, restaurants and food service establishments must specify the type of food they prepare and serve when applying for FSSAI license. This includes categories like vegetarian, non-vegetarian, bakery, sweets, beverages, etc.

Can I add new food categories to existing license?

Yes, you can add new food product categories by modifying your existing FSSAI license. This requires submitting an application for amendment along with relevant documents for the new categories.

What are proprietary food categories?

Proprietary foods are food products that do not fit into standard categories and have unique formulations. They require prior approval from FSSAI with detailed composition, manufacturing process, and safety data before commercialization.