Every food business operator in India must get a license or registration from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). To ensure transparency and consumer trust, FSSAI mandates that licensed businesses display their 14-digit FSSAI license number. This number can be verified online by anyone, whether you are a customer, vendor, or business partner.
This blog explains how to check the FSSAI license number online, the importance of doing so, and what information is available through the verification portal.
Introduction
Food safety is of utmost priority for public health. In India, FSSAI is the apex food regulatory authority responsible for ensuring compliance of food businesses with standards for hygiene and safety. All restaurants, food manufacturers, caterers, packers, distributors, or importers must be registered or licensed with FSSAI before operating.
The FSSAI license number is more than just a formality. It is a unique identifier that confirms the business is legally compliant and has met minimum safety standards. The number must be printed on food packaging or displayed prominently at the premises. Whether you’re a consumer validating a restaurant’s authenticity or a business verifying a supplier, checking the FSSAI license online is fast, free, and reliable.
Why You Should Check an FSSAI License Number?
Validating an FSSAI license number offers several benefits –
- Ensures legitimacy – Confirms the business is authorized to handle food products
- Protects consumers – Helps avoid unlicensed or fraudulent food sources
- Builds trust – Businesses that display valid FSSAI numbers appear more credible
- Supports enforcement – Anyone can report unlicensed operators to the authorities
- Assists in B2B checks – Essential for retailers, exporters, or aggregators onboarding suppliers
In short, verifying the license keeps both businesses and customers safe.
What Is an FSSAI License Number?
The 14-digit FSSAI license number is issued to a food business after successful registration or licensing. It is divided into 5 segments, each representing a different level of data –
- State code
- Issuing authority
- Year of registration
- Business type
- Unique identifier
There are three types of FSSAI licenses –
- FSSAI Registration – It is for petty food businesses (annual turnover < Rs 12 lakh)
- State License – It is for businesses with a turnover between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 crore
- Central License – It is for large-scale businesses or those operating in multiple states
This number helps track the business’s regulatory details and renewal history.
Steps to Check FSSAI License Number Online?
The FSSAI has made it easy to verify a license number through its online portal. Here is the step-by-step process –
Step 1. Visit the FSSAI FoSCoS Website
You have to search the official portal at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
Step 2. Click on “FBO Search” or “License/Registration Number” Search
From the homepage, click on “Search License/Registration” under the “FBO Search” section. This will take you to a license verification tool.
Step 3. Enter the 14-Digit FSSAI License Number
Now, input the full 14-digit number (without spaces) into the search box. Double-check for accuracy.
Step 4. View the License Details
After entering the number, click “Submit” or “Search”. If valid, you will be shown a page containing –
- Name of the FBO
- Address of the business
- Type of license (Central/State/Registration)
- Validity period and license status (Active/Expired)
- List of products approved under the license
- Renewal history (if applicable)
If the number is invalid or inactive, the system will show a “No record found” message.
Information Available Through License Check
By checking an FSSAI license online, you can access the following details –
- Business Name – Registered legal name of the food business
- Location – State, district, and full business address
- License Status – Active, expired, suspended, or cancelled
- License Type – Central, State, or Basic registration
- Date of Issue and Expiry – Helps track whether renewal is needed
- Food Categories – Types of food the business is licensed to manufacture or sell
- Authorized Person – Name of proprietor, partner, or director responsible for operations
This information is critical for both consumers and partners conducting due diligence.
How to Verify FSSAI Number on Packaged Food?
If you are checking a packaged food product, the FSSAI number is usually printed near the manufacturer’s name and address, along with the FSSAI logo. Here are the steps on how to verify –
- You have to first locate the 14-digit number on the back of the packet.
- Then, do visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
- You can use the search tool as explained earlier.
- If the number doesn’t match or shows expired status, avoid consuming the product and consider reporting it.
This small step can protect you from unsafe or counterfeit food items.
Benefits of Online License Verification
- Consumer Safety – It protects the public from unlicensed or unhygienic businesses.
- Business Accountability – It also pushes food businesses to stay compliant.
- Digital Transparency – This encourages open access to regulatory information.
- Faster Grievance Handling – It allows for easy identification of violations.
- Trust Building – It reassures customers and partners that a business meets safety norms.
In today’s world of increasingly aware consumers, openness about licensing can significantly affect brand credibility.
Conclusion
The ability to quickly check the FSSAI license number online gives consumers and businesses the ability to check food safety compliance in a matter of seconds. Whether you are purchasing packaged food, ordering from a restaurant or working with a supplier, a quick FSSAI license check gives consumers and businesses the confidence that the business is a licensed, regulated, and responsible business.
With tools like the FoSCoS portal and FSSAI mobile app, the verification process is fast, free, and accessible to everyone. In a country as diverse and food-rich as India, this small step plays a big role in ensuring public health, business integrity, and regulatory accountability.
References
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
https://fssai.gov.in/
