About FSSAI, FIFO & FEFO: Essential Food Safety and Inventory Control Practices

Food safety and inventory management are the backbone of every successful food business. In India, FSSAI compliance ensures safe food practices, while FIFO and FEFO inventory methods help maintain freshness, reduce wastage, and control costs.

This post explains what FSSAI is, why it is important, and how FIFO and FEFO systems support food safety and efficient operations.

1. What Is FSSAI?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It regulates and supervises food safety standards across the country.

Objectives of FSSAI:

• Ensure safe and hygienic food for consumers

• Set food safety standards for food businesses

• Regulate manufacturing, storage, distribution & sale of food

• Prevent food adulteration and contamination

2. Why FSSAI Is Important for Food Businesses

FSSAI compliance is mandatory for:

• Restaurants & hotels

• Cloud kitchens

• Cafés & bakeries

• Caterers

• Food manufacturers & distributors

Key Benefits:

• Legal compliance & license validity

• Consumer trust & brand credibility

• Reduced food safety risks

• Avoidance of penalties & closure notices

3. Types of FSSAI Licenses

A. Basic Registration

• For small food businesses

• Annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs

B. State License

• Medium-sized food businesses

• Turnover between ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 crores

C. Central License

• Large businesses, hotels, exporters & chains

• Turnover above ₹20 crores

4. Key FSSAI Compliance Requirements

• Valid FSSAI license displayed at premises

• Hygiene & sanitation SOPs

• Safe food handling & storage

• Staff medical fitness & grooming

• Pest control & waste management

• Food traceability & recall systems

Regular audits ensure ongoing compliance.

5. What Is FIFO?

FIFO (First In, First Out) is an inventory management method where the oldest stock is used first.

FIFO Example:

If milk received on 1st July and again on 3rd July, the 1st July stock must be used first.

Benefits of FIFO:

• Prevents stock expiry

• Maintains freshness

• Reduces wastage

• Improves cost control

6. What Is FEFO?

FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) means stock with the earliest expiry date is used first, regardless of the receiving date.

FEFO Example:

If two batches of cheese arrive on different dates but one expires earlier, the earlier expiry batch is used first.

Benefits of FEFO:

• Critical for perishable & expiry-based items

• Reduces food safety risks

• Ensures regulatory compliance

7. Difference Between FIFO and FEFO

Aspect	FIFO	FEFO
Basis	Receiving date	Expiry date
Best for	Non-expiry items	Perishable & packaged foods
Focus	Stock rotation	Food safety
Risk control	Medium	High

8. Implementing FIFO & FEFO SOPs

A. Receiving SOP

• Verify delivery date & expiry

• Label stock with date & expiry

• Reject near-expiry items

B. Storage SOP

• Arrange old stock in front

• New stock placed behind

• Separate expired & damaged items

C. Issuance SOP

• Storekeeper issues stock using FIFO/FEFO

• Kitchen signs daily requisition slips

D. Monitoring SOP

• Daily expiry check

• Weekly stock audit

• Monthly variance reporting

Regular monitoring ensures system discipline.

9. Role of FIFO & FEFO in FSSAI Compliance

FSSAI strongly emphasizes:

• Proper food storage

• Shelf-life monitoring

• Prevention of expired food usage

FIFO and FEFO practices help:

• Pass FSSAI audits

• Reduce customer complaints

• Improve food quality & safety

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No date or expiry labeling

• Mixing old & new stock

• Over-purchasing perishable items

• Ignoring expiry checks

• Lack of staff training

FSSAI compliance, FIFO, and FEFO are not just regulatory requirements—they are best practices that protect customers, reduce wastage, and improve profitability. When implemented through proper SOPs and staff training, these systems ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable food operations.

Whether you operate a restaurant, café, cloud kitchen, bakery, or hotel, understanding and applying FSSAI, FIFO, and FEFO is essential for long-term success.

Food Safety & SOP Consulting by County Park & Suites

We offer:

• FSSAI compliance SOPs

• FIFO & FEFO implementation systems

• Store & inventory audits

• Staff food safety training

📩 Partner with County Park & Suites for compliant and efficient food operations.