How to Check FSSAI License Number Real or Fake: 3 Pro Methods

Routine FSSAI inspections have repeatedly exposed substandard, misbranded, and unsafe food products that fail to meet the basic regulatory standards. If you run a food business, verifying your FSSAI license number not only helps you ensure hygiene standard compliance but also helps demonstrate regulatory compliance as a verified operator in the market. So, let’s check out how to check if an FSSAI license number is real or fake, in just 3 simple methods, in today’s blog. 

What is The FSSAI License Number?

An FSSAI License Number is a 14-digit code issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to eligible Food Business Operators (FBOs) upon successful completion of the registration and licensing process as per the appropriate regulatory requirements. An FBO must apply for this license number for their food business to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act). Such a license can be obtained for a validity period ranging from 1 to 5 years, depending on the period selected by the applicant, and shall be renewed before expiry. The category of FSSAI Licence depends on many factors such as the nature, turnover, production capacity, and scale of the food business.

This license number is divided into five sections. Each section of an FSSAI license number provides specific information about the Food Business Operator (FBO) to the regulatory authorities.

Here Are The Five Sections of An FSSAI License Number:

Section 1: The first digit identifies the type of FSSAI authorisation issued to the Food Business Operator (such as Registration or Licence). 

Section 2: This section contains the second and third digits of the license number, where the state code is mentioned, indicating where the food business is operational or registered.

Section 3: The fourth and fifth digits indicate the year in which the FSSAI license was issued.

Section 4: Section 4 consists of the 6th, 7th, and 8th digits that represent the quantity or the code of the enrolling authority. 

Section 5: The last six digits of the license number from 9-14 specify the unique license/registration number for the FBO (Food Business Operator).

Types of FSSAI License Numbers

Your FSSAI license number classifies your food business into one of the three tiers mentioned below, depending on your annual turnover and operational scale. 

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

This is a basic food safety license for startups and small businesses with low turnover. According to the nature of their businesses, Food Business Operators (FBOs) with an annual turnover below Rs. 12 lakhs should apply for the FSSAI basic registration.

2. FSSAI State License

If the annual turnover of your business exceeds Rs 12 lakh but does not exceed Rs 20 crore, you need to have an FSSAI state license, as per the eligibility criteria under the appropriate FSSAI Regulations.

3.  FSSAI Central License

The FSSAI Central Licence is mandatory for certain categories of food businesses which have been specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, which includes determining factors such as Turnover, importers, exporters, certain large-scale businesses, and businesses meeting the applicable eligibility criteria. 

The Importance of FSSAI License Number Check

Performing a quick FSSAI number check not only verifies the authenticity of your FSSAI registration as a Food Business Operator, but also makes sure that your business is compliant with the food safety regulations. 

Checking the FSSAI license number is crucial for several reasons. Below, we have mentioned the 4 prime ones. 

1. It is a valid confirmation that your business complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
2. Validated licenses clearly indicate that your food handling practices meet the standardised hygiene and quality parameters
3. Verified FSSAI licenses protect your consumers and other B2B partners from distributing and consuming food from unverified, unsafe, illegal, or substandard suppliers
4. A verified FSSAI license helps you build brand credibility with your potential buyers and improves your brand reputation. 

How to Do an FSSAI License Check?

FSSAI has made the verification process easy and transparent through its official online portals. Here are the step-by-step methods to check an FSSAI license:

Performing an FSSAI license number check is now easier. Below, we have mentioned the steps to do an FSSAI license check quickly. 

Method 1: Visit The FoSCoS Portal

The easiest thing you can do to verify your FSSAI license or registration is to visit the official website of FoSCoS and follow the steps mentioned below. 

1. Visit the official FoSCoS portal
2. Click on the ‘FBO Search’ tab
3. Enter the 14-digit FSSAI license number
4. Complete the Captcha
5. Click on “Submit”

You can now view the details of your FSSAI license, check the live status, and other crucial details related to it, including the validity, business address, etc. 

Below are the details you will see upon clicking “Submit”

• FBO name and address
• Type of license (Basic/State/Central)
• Validity of license
• Business activities
• License status (Active/Expired/Suspended)

What to Look For:

Now, how to check if the FSSAI license number is real or fake?

• If you can see all your business details clearly, it indicates that your FSSAI license number is valid.
• However, if the number is fake or invalid, you will see a “No records found” message on your screen.If no record is found, first verify whether the licence number has been entered correctly. If the issue persists, contact the FSSAI or the concerned licensing authority for confirmation, as the number may be invalid, inactive, or otherwise unavailable in the database.

Method 2: Use The Food Safety Connect App

Follow the steps mentioned below to do a quick FSSAI license number check 

1. Download the ‘Food Safety Connect’ app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and click on ‘Check FSSAI License Number’.
3. Enter the 14-digit license number

The app is particularly beneficial for people who want to keep an eye on their FSSAI license registration status on the go or quickly confirm whether it is active or not, or if it has been suspended, expired, or cancelled. 

What You Will See on The App

• The live status of your license
• Business details (FBO name, address)
• License Category (Basic, State, or Central)

Method 3: Cross-check Through The FSSAI Helpline or Email

If you are unable to check the FSSAI license number through the official website or app, you can contact FSSAI directly through the helpline number.

• FSSAI Helpline: 1800-112-100 (toll-free)
• Email: complaint@fssai.gov.in

Enter the 14-digit license number, and the FSSAI team will manually verify it and get back to you. 

5 Tips to Spot a Fake FSSAI License Number

Apart from checking online, here are a few tips to spot an invalid or fake license number:

1. Incorrect Number Format

A valid FSSAI license has exactly 14 digits. If your license number consists of more or fewer digits, it might be a fake or invalid license number. 

2. Mismatch with Business Name

If your brand name does not match the one listed in the license database, it might be fake.

3. Expired License

A license that is not renewed or is marked as ‘Expired’ on the FoSCoS portal means you are currently not authorised to operate as an FBO.

4. No QR Code or Poor Printing

At present, many issued FSSAI licences include digital verification features or QR codes. Nevertheless, to verify the license, there is still the official FoSCoS portal or Food Safety Connect app method available. 

5. Businesses Not Displaying License Number

As per regulations, eligible food businesses are required to display their FSSAI license as per the applicable labelling and display requirements. 

What to Do if You Find a Fake FSSAI License?

If you suspect a food business is using a fake FSSAI license, you can:

1. File a Complaint on the FSSAI Portal
   Visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
   Navigate to the “Grievance” section and submit the business details with evidence.
2. Email FSSAI with Proof
   Send an email to complaint@fssai.gov.in with screenshots or photos of the license or brand packaging.
3. Use the Food Safety Connect App
   The app allows you to report violations directly through your phone.

FSSAI takes such reports seriously and may conduct investigations or impose penalties on violators.

Penalty for Using a Forged FSSAI License

Using or displaying a forged FSSAI licence may attract regulatory action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and other applicable laws. Further, depending on the nature of the violation, authorities may impose monetary penalties, suspend or cancel licences, initiate prosecution, or take other appropriate enforcement actions.

The most common penalties include:

• Fines up to Rs. 5 lakhs
• Closure of the business
• Imprisonment for repeated violations
• Cancellation of existing licenses

Stay Compliant with A Quick FSSAI License Number Check

By checking the FSSAI license number and verifying its authenticity, you can ensure that you are a legally licensed or registered Food Business Operator (FBO). Further, it ensures that your food brand complies with standardised safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I verify an FSSAI license with just a business name?

Yes, you can verify your FSSAI license just by entering your company/FBO name. But for that, you need to navigate to the official FoSCoS Advanced Search Portal, select your State and District from the drop-down menu, enter your company name, complete the security captcha, and click on “Search”.

Q2. Is the verification system free?

Yes. You can perform an FSSAI license check either by visiting the FoSCoS portal, using the Food Safety Connect app on your mobile or by using other appropriate third-party online free FSSAI checker tools that pull directly from the official database. 

Q3. Can licenses be faked digitally, too?

Digital copies of licences can be manipulated and/or altered. Therefore, it is required to always verify licence details through the official FoSCoS portal or the Food Safety Connect app rather than relying solely on screenshots or PDF copies.

Q4. How often should a license be renewed?

You can renew your older FSSAI registrations and licenses for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the validity you chose when paying the renewal fee. However, you must file your renewal application at least 30 days before the expiry date.

A strong Disclaimer:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or regulatory advice. FSSAI requirements may change from time to time. Businesses should refer to the latest notifications issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) or seek professional assistance before taking compliance-related decisions.