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 how to check FSSAI license Number Real or Fake.

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. 1 for FSSAI Registration, 2 for State License and 3 for Central 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).

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 Real or Fake?

With the growing number of food businesses in India, ensuring food safety and consumer trust has become more important than ever. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in maintaining this trust through its licensing system. Every food business operator (FBO) in India, from street vendors to large-scale manufacturers, is required to obtain an FSSAI license or registration.

But with the rise in unregistered businesses and fake licenses, it becomes equally important for consumers, retailers, and other stakeholders to verify the authenticity of an FSSAI license number. In this guide, we’ll explore in detail how to check whether an FSSAI license number is real or fake, and why it matters.

What is an FSSAI License Number?

An FSSAI license number is a 14-digit unique identification number issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to food business operators. This number is printed on all food packages and acts as a proof that the food business complies with the safety standards set by FSSAI.

The 14-digit number contains information about the food business, such as:

• The state of registration
• Year of registration
• Type of license (basic, state, or central)
• Business registration details

Displaying this license number is mandatory under the FSSAI regulations.

Why is it Important to Verify an FSSAI License?

Verifying the authenticity of an FSSAI license number is important for several reasons:

1. Consumer Safety: Fake licenses mean the business may not follow hygiene standards, posing serious health risks.
2. Legal Compliance: Buying from or partnering with unlicensed businesses may lead to penalties or legal action.
3. Business Trust: Distributors and retailers need assurance that suppliers are legally compliant.
4. Avoiding Fraud: Some food sellers may forge or print invalid license numbers to appear legitimate.

How to Check If an FSSAI License Number Is Real or Fake?

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:

Method 1: Check via the FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System (FoSCoS)

The FoSCoS portal (Food Safety Compliance System) is the official platform provided by FSSAI to manage food license registration and verification.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the official FoSCoS portal
   Go to https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
2. Click on ‘FBO Search’
   On the homepage, you’ll find a menu called ‘License/Registration’. Under this, click on ‘FBO Search’.
3. Enter the 14-digit FSSAI license number
   Input the number exactly as printed on the product/package or business document.
4. Submit and view results
   Click on ‘Submit’, and the portal will show details such as:

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

What to Look For:

• If the number is valid, you will see all business details clearly.
• If the number is fake or invalid, it will display a message like “No records found” or won’t return any results.

Method 2: Use FSSAI Mobile App – “Food Safety Connect”

FSSAI has also launched a mobile application for public convenience.

How to use:

1. Download the ‘Food Safety Connect’ app from 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 and verify details just like on the website.

This app is especially helpful for consumers and food inspectors who want to verify licenses on the go.

Method 3: Cross-check Through FSSAI Helpline or Email

If you are unable to verify the number through the website or app, you can contact FSSAI directly.

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

Provide the 14-digit license number and any other business details. The FSSAI team can manually verify and respond to your query.

How to Spot a Fake FSSAI License Number?

Apart from checking online, here are some signs that may indicate a fake license number:

1. Incorrect Number Format
   A valid FSSAI license has exactly 14 digits. Anything more or less is likely fake.
2. Mismatch with Business Name
   If the business name does not match the one listed in the license database, it could be fraudulent.
3. Expired License
   A license that is not renewed or is shown as ‘Expired’ on the portal means the business is currently operating illegally.
4. No QR Code or Poor Printing
   Original licenses often have FSSAI holograms or QR codes for scanning. Fake licenses may be poorly printed or lack these security features.
5. Business Not Displaying License Number
   As per regulations, food businesses must display their FSSAI license at a visible spot in the shop/kitchen or print it on product packaging. If you don’t see one, it’s a red flag.

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 “Grievance” section and submit the details with evidence.
2. Email FSSAI with Proof
   Send an email to complaint@fssai.gov.in with screenshots or photos of the license, packaging, or business board.
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 Fake FSSAI License

Using or displaying a fake FSSAI license is a serious offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties may include:

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

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 to make an informed decision for consuming food from the market. Throughout this article, you have learned the meaning, types, and how to check an FSSAI License Number real or fake. If you want to do an FSSAI registration of a company, contact Online Legal India. They have experts to guide you.

FAQs about FSSAI License Verification

Q1. Can I verify an FSSAI license with just a business name?
No. The verification system requires the 14-digit license number. If you don’t have it, you can ask the business to provide it.

Q2. Is the verification system free?
Yes. FSSAI’s online and mobile tools for checking license numbers are completely free to use.

Q3. Can licenses be faked digitally too?
Yes. With photo editing tools, it's possible to fake digital licenses. That’s why it's crucial to cross-check the number online.

Q4. How often should a license be renewed?
FSSAI licenses are typically valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiry to avoid legal issues.

In a time when food safety is critical to public health, verifying an FSSAI license number is not just a responsibility—it's a necessity. Whether you’re a consumer, a retailer, or a fellow food business, knowing how to check whether an FSSAI license number is real or fake empowers you to make safe and informed choices.

Thanks to the tools offered by FSSAI—like the FoSCoS FSSAI portal, mobile apps, and support helplines—anyone can quickly verify a food business’s authenticity within minutes.

Stay alert, stay informed, and always check before you consume.