Food License in Hyderabad – FSSAI Registration, Cost, Eligibility, and FAQs

If you’re starting a food business in Telangana, getting a food license in Hyderabad is the first legal step. Whether it’s a cloud kitchen, home kitchen, or restaurant, FSSAI registration ensures food safety compliance and builds consumer trust. This comprehensive guide answers all your frequently asked questions related to license cost, documents, GST limits, eligibility, and the step-by-step process to apply for a food license or FSSAI registration in 2025.

📌 Section 1: How Much Does a Food License Cost in Hyderabad?

FAQs:

1. How much does a food license cost in Hyderabad?
   The cost ranges from ₹100 to ₹7,500 depending on the license type (Basic, State, or Central FSSAI).

2. How can I start a small food business in Hyderabad?
   Register your business, obtain FSSAI license, GST (if applicable), and start from home, kitchen, or cloud model.

3. What is the turnover limit for food license?

   • Basic FSSAI: Below ₹12 lakh annual turnover

   • State FSSAI: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore

   • Central FSSAI: Above ₹20 crore or interstate trade

4. Can I start a food business from home?
   Yes, with Basic FSSAI registration and local municipal compliance.

5. Which food business is most profitable in Hyderabad?
   Cloud kitchens, tiffin services, bakery, and packaged snacks are highly profitable.

6. How to start cloud kitchen in Swiggy?
   Register your business, get FSSAI license, kitchen setup with hygiene, and partner with Swiggy via their registration portal.

7. Is a FSSAI license easy to get?
   Yes, apply online on foscos.fssai.gov.in with documents like address proof, identity proof, and food details.

8. What is the GST limit for food business?
   ₹20 lakh for services and ₹40 lakh for goods. Above this, GST registration is mandatory.

9. What is the fine for food license?
   Operating without a license can attract penalties up to ₹5 lakhs or closure of the establishment.

📌 Section 2: How Can I Get a Food License in Telangana?

FAQs:

1. Who is eligible for FSSAI?
   Any person or entity involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, or retailing.

2. What are the different types of food license?

   • FSSAI Basic Registration

   • FSSAI State License

   • FSSAI Central License

3. Is GST required for FSSAI?
   Not mandatory for FSSAI, but required if your turnover exceeds GST threshold or you’re selling on platforms like Zomato/Swiggy.

4. Is the FSSAI exam tough?
   There’s no exam for license registration. Only Food Safety Officers undergo exams.

5. What documents are required for FSSAI Licence?
   PAN card, address proof, photos, layout plan, list of food products, and NOC.

6. How to apply for a food inspector?
   Appear for FSSAI’s Food Safety Officer (FSO) recruitment via state PSCs or UPSC.

7. Is FSSAI license mandatory for a home kitchen?
   Yes, even home-based food businesses must register under Basic FSSAI.

8. What is a mobile food vendor?
   A vendor selling food from a movable setup like food carts or vans. FSSAI license is still required.

9. What is the license for masala business?
   FSSAI registration (Basic or State) based on turnover and area of operation.

10. How many days for FSSAI registration?
    Usually 7–15 working days for Basic and 30 days for State/Central License.

11. Can I sell food on Zomato without GST?
    No, food aggregators require FSSAI and GST for vendor registration.

12. How to get a dairy license?
    Apply for FSSAI registration as a dairy business operator (FBO) with relevant documents and turnover declaration.

📌 Section 3: Who is Eligible for Food License?

FAQs:

1. What is the difference between food license and FSSAI?
   No difference — FSSAI license is the official food license in India.

2. What is the income limit for FSSAI?
   There’s no income limit. It’s based on turnover: below ₹12 lakh (Basic), ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore (State), and above ₹20 crore (Central).

3. How to get a FSSAI License in one day?
   Provisional license can be generated immediately after application submission, subject to document verification.

4. What is basic food Licence?
   It’s the FSSAI Basic Registration for small food businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh/year.

5. Who are exempted from FSSAI license?
   Individuals making food for personal/non-commercial purposes.

6. What is the full form of FBO?
   Food Business Operator.

7. Who are eligible for FSSAI?
   All food businesses — including hawkers, home kitchens, restaurants, and transporters.

8. Can we start business after applying for FSSAI license?
   Yes, once you get the acknowledgement or provisional license number.

9. How many licenses are required for a restaurant?
   Typically 3–4: FSSAI, trade license, fire safety, and GST (if applicable).

10. Which are the three types of FSSAI license?

    • FSSAI Basic Registration

    • FSSAI State License

    • FSSAI Central License

11. What is the validity period of FSSAI license?
    1 to 5 years based on choice during application.

12. Is a FSSAI license mandatory for a grocery store?
    Yes, grocery retailers selling packaged food require FSSAI registration.

13. Who is eligible for certificate in food and nutrition?
    Individuals with a background in biology, home science, or food science can pursue courses online or offline.

14. Is a FSSAI license mandatory for small business?
    Yes, even small home-based or online food businesses need Basic registration.

15. Who is eligible for FSSAI 2025?
    All food businesses operating commercially in India.

16. Why do we need food Licence?
    It ensures food safety, builds trust with consumers, and is legally required to operate a food business.