The SFA initially operated in Karachi Division and Larkana District, and has since expanded to Hyderabad District (2020), Mirpurkhas (2021), and Sukkur & Benazirabad Division (2023).
The SFA's main functions include regulating food safety standards, monitoring compliance through inspections, and enforcing food safety laws and regulations.
You can report food safety concerns or violations by contacting the SFA directly through their official website, phone numbers, or local offices.
The SFA may impose fines, issue warnings, and require corrective actions from non-compliant food establishments. In severe cases, they can suspend or revoke licenses.
The SFA ensures food safety through a combination of setting standards, conducting regular inspections, and monitoring food establishments to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
The Food Safety Team is composed of a Food Safety Officer, Assistant Food Safety Officer(s), and supporting staff
The SFA license is a mandatory legal document for businesses involved in food preparation, manufacturing, storage, transportation, distribution, sale, and import/export within Sindh. It ensures compliance with safety and hygiene standards as per Sindh Food Authority regulations.
The SFA license ensures that your business adheres to safety and hygiene standards for food handling, thus protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust. It is also required by law to operate any food-related business in Sindh.
Any individual or company engaged in food-related activities such as Schools and College Canteen, Office and Industrial Canteen, Confectionary Factory, Chicken, Mutton & Beef Shop, Flour Mills, Super / General Store, Hospital Canteens, Hotels & Restaurants, Marriage Halls, Milk & Dairy Shop, Dairy Farms, Milk Transportation, Pickle Manufacturing, Slaughtering House, Sweets, Baker & Nimco, Water Plants / RO Plants, Beverages, Roadside Café (Dhaba), Oil & Ghee Derivatives, Catering Units, Fruits and Vegetables, Cereal & Cereal Products, Seafood’s, Eggs & Egg Products, Sweeteners & Honey, Salt & Spices Ready to Eat Products, Food Additives, Manufacturing Units (Large), Manufacturing Units (Small), Warehouse, Temporary or Permanent Food Events, Food Packaging Manufacturer should apply for an SFA license.
You can apply for an SFA license by visiting the official SFA website and downloading the application, or you can visit the nearest SFA office to submit the necessary documents and forms. The process involves filling out forms, providing required documents, and paying the necessary fees.
Documents typically required include:
Businesses must comply with SFA’s health and safety standards, which may include clean premises, sanitary food handling practices, proper waste disposal, use of safe ingredients, and staff training on food safety.
The SFA issues various types of licenses based on the type of food business, including:
The processing time for an SFA license may vary depending on the type of business and the completeness of the application. On average, it may take 2 to 4 weeks after submission of all required documents.
The license fee varies based on the size and nature of the food business. There are different fee structures for small businesses, large-scale manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. The exact fee can be checked on the official SFA website or at the office.
You can check the status of your application by contacting the SFA office where you submitted your application.
SFA licenses are usually valid for one year. However, this may vary depending on the type of license issued. Renewal is required before the expiration date to continue legal operations.
License renewal refers to the process of extending the validity of your existing license. You must apply for renewal before the current license expires, and it typically involves submitting a renewal form, paying the renewal fee, and ensuring your business complies with SFA regulations.
To renew your SFA license, you need to fill out a renewal form and submit it with the required documents and fees either online or at an SFA office. It's advisable to apply at least 30 days before your license expiration date.
Yes, if you do not renew your license before the expiry date, there may be late fees, penalties, or even temporary closure of your business until the renewal is complete.
Operating a food business without a valid SFA license can lead to legal penalties, including fines, suspension of business operations, and even closure. The SFA may also confiscate unsafe products.
Yes, the SFA can suspend or cancel a license if a food business fails to comply with food safety regulations, engages in fraudulent practices, or operates under unsafe conditions.
No, SFA licenses are non-transferable. If you move your business to a new location or change ownership, a new license application will be required.
If your application is rejected, you will receive reasons for rejection, and you can reapply after rectifying the issues. It is recommended to consult with the SFA office for guidance on how to meet the necessary requirements.
You can visit the SFA website regularly, subscribe to their newsletters, or attend seminars conducted by the SFA to stay informed of any regulatory updates or changes in licensing procedure.