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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), operating under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has promised food and millet startups a simplified, fast-track licensing process. Balu Naik, Deputy Director at FSSAI, assured startups that they can obtain a license within a day if they apply under basic categories like proprietary foods and submit complete documentation. Speaking at the Millet Stakeholders Summit 2025 at T-Hub, Hyderabad, Naik emphasized FSSAI’s role as both a regulator and a facilitator. “We aim to support, not burden, businesses,” he said. “We focus on guidance and trade facilitation rather than enforcing rules based solely on premises or other rigid conditions.”

Online Process Eliminates Delays

Naik explained that the entire licensing process now takes place online, removing the need for applicants to visit government offices. “Startups don’t need to go from door to door for approvals,” he said. “If you have the right documents, you can receive your license instantly.” He encouraged applicants to contact FSSAI directly to clarify document requirements. If the process faces delays, businesses can raise the issue online through the official FSSAI portal. Addressing common concerns around inspections, Naik clarified that no authority can inspect any food business premises without explicit approval from central or state-level officials. He reassured startups that FSSAI respects legal boundaries and procedural fairness.

Free Training to Food Entrepreneurs

FSSAI also provides free training programs across states, with a mandate to train one lakh people annually. “We conduct state-level training sessions at no cost,” Naik said. “For groups of more than 30, we even send our officers to your location for on-site training in regulatory compliance—completely free of charge.”

Nutrihub Champions Millet, Plans Nationwide Expansion

Nutrihub, the millet-focused startup incubator by the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), hosted a summit that drew over 300 participants, including entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and ecosystem enablers. Discussions centered on sustainable agribusiness, market linkages, and the growing role of millets in India’s food landscape.

CEO B. Dayakar Rao announced plans to expand Nutrihub’s model to northern, western, and eastern regions. He clarified that while Nutrihub offers critical support, its services are reasonably priced, not subsidised. Highlighting millet’s role in nutrition, Rao cited NIN’s guidance that millets can replace up to one-third of a daily diet, positioning them as a complementary cereal alternative in balanced nutrition.

Source: The Hindu Business Line