Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex regulatory body for food safety in India.
FSSAI categorizes Food Business Operators (FBOs) into different licensing categories based on their production capacity, scale, and annual fincial turnover to ensure streamlined compliance.
Step 2: Detailed Explation:
The registration and licensing requirements under FSSAI are structured as follows:
- Basic FSSAI Registration: Required for petty or small-scale food business operators with an annual turnover of up to Rs 12 Lakh.
- FSSAI State License: Mandated for medium-sized food business operators, including manufacturers, storage units, retailers, and distributors, whose annual turnover falls between Rs 12 Lakh and Rs 20 Crore.
- FSSAI Central License: Required for large-scale operations, importers, 100% export-oriented units, and businesses operating in multiple states with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 20 Crore.
Thus, the specific bracket requiring a State License is Rs 12 Lakh to Rs 20 Crore.
Step 3: Fil Answer:
An annual turnover between Rs 12 Lakh and Rs 20 Crore requires an FSSAI State License.
Hence, the correct option is (A).