Food safety licensing is an official approval that confirms a business follows hygiene and food safety rules. It protects customers, avoids legal problems, and builds trust for your food business.

Whether you run a bakery, juice shop, small restaurant, or packaged food business, getting a food safety license is essential. This guide explains step by step how to get the license, from preparation to renewal, in simple and easy English.

Step 1: Understand the Importance of a Food Safety License

β€’ It ensures the food you serve is safe for customers
β€’ Protects your staff, customers, and business reputation
β€’ Is often required by banks, suppliers, and online platforms to do business

Tip: Displaying your license builds trust with customers and suppliers.

 

Step 2: Identify the Right License

Your license depends on your business type:

  • Food Establishment License: for bakeries, restaurants, cafes, or small food shops
  • Food Product License: for packaged foods, snacks, beverages, or sauces
  • Mobile Food Vendor License: for home delivery, food carts, or street vendors

Tip: Check with your local City Corporation, Municipality, or Upazila Office to know exactly which license you need.

 

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Before applying, gather these documents:
β€’ Application form (from the local office or online portal)
β€’ Trade license or business registration certificate
β€’ Owner or manager NID
β€’ Shop/factory layout showing kitchen, storage, and waste management
β€’ Water supply, hygiene plan, and waste disposal plan
β€’ Employee health or hygiene certificates (if applicable)

Tip: Keep all documents accurate and complete to avoid delays.

 

Step 4: Submit the Application

β€’ Submit all documents to the local City Corporation or Municipality office
β€’ Pay the application fee if required
β€’ Clearly mention business type, products, and operating hours

Tip: Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

 

Step 5: Inspection by Authorities

β€’ The authority may visit your shop or factory to check cleanliness, food storage, and employee hygiene
β€’ They may check:

  • Kitchen and storage cleanliness
  • Safe water supply
  • Proper waste disposal
  • Employee health and hygiene certificates
    β€’ Make improvements as suggested by the inspector

Example (optional): A small bakery installs a water filter and keeps clean storage to meet hygiene requirements.

 

Step 6: Receive the License and Display It

β€’ If your business meets all requirements, the license is issued
β€’ Display the license in a visible place for customers and inspectors
β€’ Always follow food safety rules to keep your license valid

Tip: Regular cleaning, safe storage, and employee hygiene prevent violations and maintain trust.

 

Step 7: Renewal and Continuous Compliance

β€’ Food safety licenses usually need renewal every 1–3 years
β€’ Maintain clean kitchen, proper storage, and safe water
β€’ Keep records of food sources, staff health, and inspections

Tip: Continuous compliance prevents fines, closure, and damage to reputation.

 

Current Situation for Small Food Businesses

β€’ Small food businesses are growing rapidly
β€’ Government strictly monitors hygiene and food safety
β€’ Food license is now mandatory for:

  • Selling in markets or online platforms
  • Bank loans or supplier agreements
  • Building customer trust
    β€’ Lack of awareness among small entrepreneurs remains a challenge

 

Common Challenges for SMEs

β€’ Unaware of which license is required
β€’ Incomplete or incorrect documents
β€’ Unsanitary kitchen or storage
β€’ Employees not following hygiene rules
β€’ Missing license renewal dates

 

Helpful Resources

β€’ Food Safety Authority of Bangladesh (FSA): https://fsa.gov.bd
β€’ Local City Corporation / Municipality Food Wing
β€’ SME Foundation – Food Safety Guidelines: https://smef.gov.bd/
β€’ Local consultants for food safety training and guidance

 

Final Advice for Food Business Owners

β€’ Check which license applies to your type of food business
β€’ Prepare accurate and complete documents before applying
β€’ Maintain clean kitchen, safe storage, and hygiene
β€’ Train employees on food safety practices
β€’ Display the license prominently
β€’ Renew license on time and keep records updated

Following these steps ensures your food business is safe, legal, and trusted by customers. It prevents fines, closures, and health hazards.