The issue of food safety is a big challenge in India, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an important authority that ensures that food companies adhere to the safety regulations. All the operators of food businesses must have an FSSAI license or registration, and the license number must be placed on food products, invoices and business premises. But due to the emergence of online food companies and local sellers, there has also been an increase in cases of counterfeit or invalid FSSAI license numbers.
This blog describes the procedure of verifying the authenticity of an FSSAI license number as genuine or fraudulent, the reasons for doing so and what consumers and businesses should do in the event they detect an inconsistency.
Introduction
When consumers purchase packaged food, place an order with a restaurant or buy products from an online food vendor, they are confident that the food is safe to consume. The FSSAI license affixed to the food package or label at food outlets serves as evidence that the entity has the right to comply with Indian food safety regulations. Sadly, not every exhibited license number is real. There are food operators who use expired FSSAI numbers, wrong numbers or downright no numbers in order to escape legal action.
To consumers, consumption of food in an unlicensed business may be life-threatening. In the case of businesses, the use of a forged or invalid FSSAI license may attract the imposition of heavy fines, suspension, or even criminal prosecution. Thus, it is important to understand how to check an FSSAI license number for the consumer and a food business operator.
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 (FBOs). This number indicates that the business complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The 14 digits are not random. They provide specific information, including –
- The type of license
- The state code
- The year of issue
- The business registration number
This structured format makes it possible to verify whether the license number is genuine.
Why Is It Important to Verify an FSSAI License?
Verifying an FSSAI license is important for several reasons.
- From a consumer’s perspective, it ensures that the food is prepared, stored, and sold under regulated hygiene standards. Consuming food from unlicensed operators may lead to food poisoning or long-term health issues.
- From a business perspective, verifying suppliers’ licenses helps maintain legal compliance. Restaurants, hotels, and retailers sourcing food products must ensure that their vendors are legally authorised.
- From a legal perspective, using or displaying a fake FSSAI license is a punishable offence. Penalties may include fines, business closure, and imprisonment in severe cases.
How to Check Whether an FSSAI License Number Is Real or Fake?
Step 1. Check the Format of the License Number
A valid FSSAI license number always contains 14 digits. If the number is shorter, longer, or contains alphabets or special characters, it is invalid.
Many fake licenses fail at this basic level, as they use random numbers or incorrect formats.
Step 2. Visit the Official FSSAI Website
The most reliable way to verify an FSSAI license number is through the official FSSAI portal.
On the FSSAI website, there is a dedicated option to search food business operators using –
- License number
- Registration number
- Name of the business
Once the number is entered, the system displays complete details of the business if the license is genuine.
Step 3. Verify Business Details Shown on the Portal
After entering the license number, carefully cross-check the displayed information, including –
- Name of the food business
- Address of the premises
- Type of license (Basic, State, or Central)
- Validity period
If these details do not match the information shown on the product label, invoice, or shop board, the license may be misused or fake.
Step 4. Check the License Validity Status
An FSSAI license is issued for a fixed period and must be renewed before expiry. Even a genuine license becomes invalid if it has expired.
The portal clearly shows whether the license is –
- Active
- Expired
- Suspended
- Cancelled
Using an expired or suspended license is treated as non-compliance under food safety laws.
Step 5. Use the FSSAI Mobile App
FSSAI also provides a mobile application called Food Safety Connect, which allows users to verify licenses by entering the license number.
This is especially helpful for consumers who want quick verification while shopping or dining out.
Step 6. Check the QR Code on Food Packaging
Many food products now carry a QR code along with the FSSAI logo and license number. Scanning the QR code often redirects users to official details related to the product or manufacturer.
If the QR code does not work or redirects to an unrelated page, it raises a red flag.
Common Signs of a Fake or Misused FSSAI License
Certain warning signs indicate that an FSSAI license may not be genuine.
- The license number does not appear on the official portal
- The business name on the portal does not match the seller
- License belongs to a different state or category
- Expired license displayed deliberately
- Same license number used by multiple businesses
Such practices are common among small, unorganised food sellers trying to bypass compliance.
What to Do If You Find a Fake FSSAI License?
In case you believe that an FSSAI license is counterfeit or abused, you may establish the following –
- Consumers are able to make a complaint via the FSSAI Food Safety Connect portal or application and enter the business and the suspicious license number.
- Companies should stop at once and take action against such suppliers by reporting the issue to the local food safety departments so as to escape liability.
- Complaints are investigated by the FSSAI authorities, and the violations can lead to penalties or the cancellation of the licenses in case of the violations.
Legal Consequences of Using a Fake FSSAI License
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, operating without a valid FSSAI license or using a fake one can lead to –
- Monetary penalties
- Sealing of food premises
- Cancellation of business operations
- Prosecution and imprisonment in serious cases
These consequences highlight why compliance and verification are crucial.
Conclusion
An FSSAI license number is a powerful, but simple, measure of guaranteeing food safety by verifying whether the number is fake. Consumers and businesses can easily verify the authenticity of a license with just a few button presses and clicks with the official online tools and mobile apps. Awareness and verification have never been more significant in the era of growing food businesses due to the boom of online platforms. The fact that food is issued by licensed and compliant operators will safeguard the health of the people and enhance their confidence in the Indian food system.
