FSSAI License Number Check | Verify FBO

Food is the most important thing for humans. We cannot survive without food. But do we know that not all food products available in the market are safe for consumption? They can be poisonous and contaminated. This number shows that a food business is registered or licensed with FSSAI. Businesses can verify this number to check the legitimacy of the business. In this blog, you will learn about this number and easy methods for fssai license number check.

What is an FSSAI License Number?

It is a set of 14 unique-digit identification codes. It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food Business operators when they receive FSSAI certificate. It is must for the FBO to display on the food packages. This number ensures that the FBO follows the FSSAI Guidelines.

Here is the overview of FSSAI License Number Format:

Section 1: The first digit indicates the type of authorisation: 1 for a licence, 2 for a registration

Section 2: The second and third digits represent the state code.

Section 3: The 4th and 5th digits represent the last two digits of the year the licence or registration was issued.

Section 4: This section includes 3 digits 6th, 7th, and 8th, these 3 digits are the code of the registering or licensing officer (designated officer).

Section 5: This is the last section, which contains the remaining 6 digits. These 6 digits are the unique numbers given to the Food business operator.

Why is FSSAI License Number Verification Important?

Fssai license number check is important for both businesses and consumers, Here is why

• The FSSAI License number ensures that the business is legal and follows the FSSAI guidelines.
• By verifying the License number, you can avoid businesses that might be using fake or expired licenses.
• This confirms that the food business is registered or licensed with FSSAI. 
• By checking the FSSAI Number, consumers confirm that they are buying food from a registered business.

How to Check FSSAI License Number?

You can check the legitimacy of the FSSAI License number through these methods:

Method 1: From the FosCos Website

• Visit the official FosCos website.

• On the homepage click on the FBO search tab.

• Enter the Company Name and License Number, Select State, Select District, Enter the Captcha, and Security Code, and Click on Search.

• You will receive the following details like Company Name, License Number, Premises Address, Validity (Active/Inactive), Product List, etc. for verification.

Method 2: Through FSSAI Verification API

Businesses onboarding large numbers of food business operators may consider an API-based verification workflow to reduce repetitive manual work. You can verify the FSSAI license with license number and get the verified details for verification. This makes the verification process quick and help detect forged and fake license easily.

Input: FSSAI Registration No.

Output: License No.

                 Address.

                 State.

                 Company Name.

                 PIN Code.

Signs of a Fake or Invalid FSSAI License Number

These are the common signs that distinguish whether the FSSAI License Number is real or fake:

• License Number is not 14 digits: A valid FSSAI license number is always a 14-digit unique code. If the number on a package or menu has more or fewer digits, it is likely a fake number.

• No Record Found on the FoSCos Portal: When you enter the license number on the FoSCos verification portal, and the system shows “record not found”. It usually means the license number is not registered in the official database.

• Expired or Suspended License Status: If, on searching, you got results like expired, suspend or cancelled, the food business is not legally allowed to operate. Checking FSSAI expiry is essential to avoid the consumption of unregistered businesses.

• Business Name Does Not Match the Product Brand: Sometimes the license number belongs to a different business. If the business name displayed in the verification result does not match the brand name on the product or restaurant. It may indicate misuse of the FSSAI license.

• Incorrect Address on License Type: Check whether the address, type of license (State, Central, or Basic), and business category match the food business you are checking. Any mismatch could indicate license number is used incorrectly.

FSSAI License Number Guidelines for FBO

• Display License Number on Package: Food businesses (FBOs) must display 14-digit license numbers on packaged food items.
• FSSAI Logo: The FSSAI Logo must be printed on the food packages. The logo and license number should be visible from the background color of the packaging.
• For Imports: FBOs must provide a License Number when importing products in India.
• Text Size: The letter, number, and alphabet should follow the rules set under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.
• Proof of Legitimacy: Displaying the FSSAI logo and License Number represents that the business follows food safety laws.
• Display Logo Business Premise: FBOs must display their license number at their offices or food production units and use Food Safety Display Boards.
• License Validity: FBOs should display the logo and license number until the license expires, which can be valid for up to five years. That’s why it is important to check the expiry of FSSAI.
• License Renewal: Periodic renewal is no longer required for licences and registrations issued on or after 1 April 2026. Businesses with older certificates should check their status on FoSCoS, keep paying the annual fee, and keep displaying the licence number.
• Display Lic. No. on Invoices and Bills: FBOs must include the FSSAI License Number on bills, receipts, and purchase invoices. However, it’s not required for GST e-way bills or system-generated government documents.

Penalties of Not Following Food Safety and Standard Act

• Legal Penalties and Fines: According to section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, operating a business without a required FSSAI License can attract a penalty of up to Rs. 5 lacs and imprisonment of 6 months.
• Penalty for Unhygienic Food Processing: If manufacturers and processors sell unhygienic food they may face a monetary penalty of 1 lakh (Section 56).
• Punishment for False Information: If any person provides the false information they the person may face monetary penalty of 2 lacs along with 3 months imprisonment under the section 61.
• Heavier Penalties for Food Adulteration: If a business sells adulterated or unsafe food, penalties under Section 57 of the FSS Act can go up to Rs.10 lacks fines and life imprisonment in severe cases.

Benefits of FSSAI License Number Check

• For Consumers: Verifying FSSAI License numbers confirms that the FBO follows the safety and hygienic standards. It helps customers identify fake and illegal food businesses.
• For Business: Displaying the FSSAI license helps FBO gain customer trust. It helps businesses stay legally compliant and prevents penalties.
• For Authorities: FSSAI License number check helps monitor food safety. It helps detect unlicensed or non-compliant businesses.

How Can Consumers File a Complaint About Illegal Food Products?

If you find illegal, fake, or unsafe food products, here’s how you can report them easily:

• Call the FSSAI Helpline: Dial 1800-112-100 to directly report your complaint.
• Grievance Portal: File a complaint online through the FSSAI Consumer Grievance Portal.
• Send Email: Send an email along with product details and photos to [email protected].
• FSSAI Regional Offices: Visit the FSSAI regional office that covers your state with product details and photos. 

Conclusion

FSSAI License Number Check confirms that a food business is registered or licensed with FSSAI. It helps in confirming the legitimacy of the business and ensure that businesses follow the safety regulations. You can follow the above methods to check the FSSAI License authenticity and do business with only verified FBOs. This will ensure food safety and keep you away from legal troubles. Remember to verify every detail to identify discrepancies and fake or forged licenses.

FAQs

Ques: How can I verify an FSSAI license through the FoSCoS portal?

Ans: Just visit the FoSCoS portal and click on FBO search, enter the required details, and cross-verify the information. The displayed information helps in cross-verification to detect fake or forged licenses.

Ques: What details should businesses check during FSSAI license verification?
Ans: A business should verify each detail of the license:

• License/registration number
• Business or FBO Name
• Premises address
• License status and validity
  Kind of business
• Product or activity coverage

Ques: What are the penalties for operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license?

Ans: Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act mandates that operating a food business without a valid FSSAI License may result in imprisonment of 6 months and monetary penalties of 5 lakhs.

Ques: How often should businesses re-verify FSSAI licenses after onboarding?

Ans: An FSSAI license can be suspended or cancelled after registration. Businesses should check the license periodically or continuously.

 

Ques: What should I do if a license number on a food package does not match the records?

Ans: If the license number does not match the records, kindly report it via the FSSAI helpline (1800-112-100), the Consumer Grievance Portal, or email the helpdesk at [email protected].