How to check FSSAI license number real or fake

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is a regulatory body for food business operators (FBO) to comply with food safety regulations. Checking an FSSAI license number will be helpful for legally verifying food businesses whether it meets the quality requirements for customers.  It helps to encourage accountability and transparency for food businesses. In this article, you will get information and guidance about FSSAI License Numbers.

What is FSSAI License Number?

An FSSAI License Number is a 14-digit alfa-numeric number to identify a Food Business Operator (FBO) for granting the FSSAI license certificate. An FBO must apply for this license number for their food business to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act). This License is valid for up to 5 years, according to your application, and should be renewed before the expiry by submitting the required documents.  The type of registration number is based on the scale of the business operation.

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

Here are the five sections of an FSSAI license number:

Section 1: It is the first digit of the FSSAI number. It indicates whether the food industry has received the FSSAI registration or license.

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

Section 3: The next fourth and fifth digits of the license number implies the year of receiving the FSSAI license for the food business.

Section 4: This section contains the sixth, seventh, and Eighth digits of the FSSAI license number. These numbers specify the code of FSSAI officer who approved the license/registration.

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

FSSAI Number Decoding:

Types of FSSAI License Numbers

Here are three types of FSSAI Licenses:

1. FSSAI Basic Registration

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

2. FSSAI State License

If the business turnover crosses 12 lac per annum but does not exceed 20 crore, they need to have an FSSAI state license.

3.  FSSAI Central License

FSSAI Central License is required for large food businesses, importers, and exporters with an annual turnover of above Rs. 20 crore.

How to Check FSSAI License Number?

Here are the processes to check the validity and details of the FSSAI license number of an FBO online.

• Step 1: You have to visit the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) website
• Step 2: You must click on the ‘FBO Search’ tab from the Homepage.
• Step 3: You need to enter the company name, 14-digit FSSAI license number, select the state, and select the District. Lastly, enter the captcha code shown on the screen and then click search.  
• Step 4: The Screen will display the FSSAI license details after clicking the search.

FSSAI License Number Details

The FSSAI license number details will show on the screen after completing the steps. The details including:

• FBO/company name
• List of products of the FBO
• Premises address
• License type
• License number
• Validity status

If you enter a fake or invalid FSSAI license number, the website will show the license number is not found in their database.

FSSAI License Number Guidelines

Here are the following guidelines of FSSAI License Number:

• The Food Business Operators (FBO) should display the 14-digit license number on the packaging of their food products to comply with FSSAI regulations.
• FSSAI issues the FSSAI logo to the FBOs for packaged food products. The logo and license number must be in a contrasting color to the background.
• The FSSAI License number should be provided to the authorities for importing a food product into India.
• The measure of the alphabet, digits, and letters must comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, of 2011 for packaging and labeling.
• FSSAI license number and logo on the food products represent that FBO contains a valid license followed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
• All FBOs should mention their 14-digit FSSAI license number at their food business premises.
• The FBO should display Food Safety Display Boards (FSDBs) with the license number to comply with food safety rules and color code to identify the type of business for different sectors.
• All FBOs must display the license number and logo on their food products for five years of their FSSAI license. So, they should use the logo and number until the expiry of the license.
• All FBOs should renew their FSSAI license number within 180 days before its expiry date followed by FSSAI regulations. It will display a logo and license number after a successful renewal of their products.
• All food businesses must mention their 14-digit FSSAI license number on cash receipts, cash memos, purchase invoices, bills, and so on. The system-generated government documents and the GST E-way bills are the exemptions for the FSSAI license number.

The above-mentioned guidelines will help you to check FSSAI license numbers whether they are real or fake.

Importance of FSSAI License Authenticity Check

Here are some reasons for verifying the authenticity of the FSSAI license:

1. Food Safety

The Food Business Operators (FBO) will receive an FSSAI license after meeting the requirements of food safety. This license will be helpful to verify whether the food products are operated legally and safely.

2. Consumer Protection

You should check the 14-digit FSSAI license number to identify and avoid contaminated and counterfeit foods for customers. This number will be helpful for the Food Business Operator (FBO) to maintain their products to comply with food safety concerns.

3. Legal Compliance

The FBOs need to display their valid license number on their food products for customers to verify whether the business is legally operating and complies with food safety regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

4. Quality Assurance

FBO should obtain an FSSAI license number to meet quality requirements and license authenticity in food production, handling, and storage. Thus, it will be helpful for food businesses to meet food safety and quality requirements.  It will also help to build consumer trust and businesses to comply with the law.

Conclusion

Anyone can check for an FSSAI license number whether it is real or fake. Throughout this article, you have learned the meaning, types, and processes for checking an FSSAI License Number, FSSAI license number details and guidelines, and the importance of FSSAI License Authenticity. If you want to do an FSSAI registration of a company, contact Online Legal India. They have experts to guide you.