What flooring does FSSAI require for food processing units?
FSSAI requires a smooth, non-porous, impervious and washable floor surface with adequate slope toward drainage points. Epoxy or food-grade tile flooring with a slope of 1:100 to 1:120 is standard. Joints must be sealed and coved where the floor meets the wall. Standing water or rough concrete floor will fail inspection.
What HSPCB consent category applies to food processing?
Food processing units fall under the Orange category for HSPCB consent if they discharge process effluent, and Green if they only handle dry processing with no effluent. Orange category requires an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Consent to Operate. The category is determined by the type and volume of effluent generated, not the size of the unit.
Do I need IBR registration for a food processing boiler?
Yes. Any steam boiler above 22.75 litres capacity or 1 kg/cm² pressure requires IBR (Indian Boiler Regulations) registration with the state boiler inspectorate. Small steam generators below this threshold are exempt. IBR registration requires annual inspection and certified boiler operators on record. Unregistered boilers can halt operations during a factory licence inspection.
What DG backup do I need for food processing?
Full-load DG with less than 10-second auto-switch is standard for cold rooms, blast freezers and continuous processes. A food processing unit running a blast freezer typically needs 250-400 KVA of DG depending on chamber count and process equipment. Fuel storage of 8-12 hours minimum. The DG must cover compressor startup current, not just lighting and admin load.
What water quality standard does FSSAI require?
FSSAI requires potable water meeting IS 10500 standards for all food contact and processing. The unit must have access to a potable water source with periodic testing records. For units using groundwater, a water test certificate from an NABL-accredited lab is standard. Reverse osmosis or DM water may be required depending on the product category.
What clear height is needed for food processing?
A standard food processing floor needs 5-6 metres clear height for equipment installation, ducting and ventilation. Units with blast freezers, ovens or tall process lines may need 7-9 metres. Mezzanine-level utility access requires additional headroom. Column grid should allow unimpeded line layout — 8 x 8 metres minimum for most process lines.
Can I set up food processing in any HSIIDC industrial plot?
Not all HSIIDC plots allow food processing. The CLU (Change of Land Use) and building plan must permit food manufacturing, and the plot must be in an area with adequate power, water and effluent discharge infrastructure. Some industrial belts have restrictions based on pollution category. Verify the CLU against your intended operation before committing to a lease.
Where should I set up food processing in the NCR?
Farukhnagar and Pataudi suit units serving Gurugram and south Delhi markets with lower rents. Luhari and Bilaspur are best for larger processing units needing 20,000+ sq ft with warehouse-adjacent storage. IMT Manesar suits units serving auto sector and pharma-adjacent food applications. IMT Bawal works for export-oriented processing with container ICD access. The choice depends on your product type, effluent load and market.
