FSSAI Verification in India – How to Check and Verify FSSAI License
Every FSSAI verification process allows consumers, businesses, and regulatory authorities to confirm whether a food business holds a valid FSSAI license or registration. Whether you're a consumer checking if a restaurant or packaged food product is FSSAI-certified, a retailer verifying a supplier's credentials, or a business owner ensuring compliance, understanding how to FSSAI check and verify a 14-digit license number is essential for food safety and legal protection. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about FSSAI verification and how to spot fake licenses.
How to Verify an FSSAI License Number Online
FSSAI provides a free online verification tool on the official FoSCoS portal that allows anyone to check the validity of an FSSAI license or registration number. Follow these steps to verify an FSSAI number:
Step 1: Visit the FSSAI Verification Portal
Go to the official FSSAI website or the FoSCoS portal verification page:
URL: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in or search "FSSAI license verification" on Google.
Step 2: Enter the 14-Digit FSSAI Number
Locate the 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number you want to verify. You can find this number on:
- Food product labels (printed near the brand name or nutritional information)
- Restaurant or food business premises (displayed at the entrance, billing counter, or kitchen)
- Supplier invoices or contracts
Enter the 14-digit number into the search box on the verification portal.
Step 3: Submit and View Results
Click "Search" or "Verify." The portal will display the license details if the number is valid and active.
Information shown for valid licenses:
- FSSAI license/registration number (14 digits)
- Business name (FBO name)
- Business type (e.g., manufacturer, retailer, restaurant)
- License type (Registration, State License, or Central License)
- Date of issue
- Date of expiry
- Status (Active, Expired, Suspended, Cancelled)
- Registered business address
- Product categories covered (e.g., bakery, dairy, beverages)
If the number is invalid, expired, or fake, the portal will display an error message or "No Record Found."
How to Check FSSAI License Validity
When verifying an FSSAI license, it's not enough to confirm that the number exists—you must also check its validity status to ensure the business is currently authorized to operate.
Key validity checks:
1. Expiry Date
Check the "Date of Expiry" field on the verification result. FSSAI licenses are valid for 1–5 years from the date of issue. If the expiry date has passed, the license is no longer valid, and the business is operating illegally.
2. License Status
The portal will show one of these statuses:
- Active: The license is currently valid and the business is authorized to operate.
- Expired: The license validity period has ended. The business must renew before continuing operations.
- Suspended: The license has been temporarily suspended by FSSAI due to non-compliance, pending investigation, or violations.
- Cancelled/Revoked: The license has been permanently cancelled. The business is not authorized to operate.
3. Business Name & Address Match
Verify that the business name and address shown on the portal match the name and location of the food business you're checking. Mismatches may indicate license misuse or fraud.
4. Product Categories Covered
Ensure the product categories listed on the license match what the business is actually selling or manufacturing. For example, a license issued for "Bakery Products" does not authorize the business to manufacture dairy products or sell meat.
Example: If you're verifying a restaurant, the license should show food categories like "Restaurant Services," "Ready-to-Eat Foods," or "Catering." If it only shows "Retailer," the business may be operating beyond its authorized scope.
How to Spot Fake FSSAI Licenses
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous businesses display fake or fraudulent FSSAI licenses to deceive customers and evade regulatory scrutiny. Here's how to spot fake licenses:
Red Flags for Fake Licenses:
- Number Doesn't Verify: When you enter the 14-digit number on the FSSAI portal, it shows "No Record Found" or an error message.
- Suspicious Number Format: FSSAI numbers are always 14 digits. Numbers with fewer or more digits, letters, or unusual formatting are fake.
- Photoshopped Certificates: The displayed certificate looks altered, has spelling errors, blurry text, or inconsistent fonts.
- No Validity Date: Genuine FSSAI certificates always show the date of issue and expiry. Certificates without dates are fake.
- Mismatched Business Names: The business name on the certificate doesn't match the actual business name or signboard.
- Generic/Stock Images: Some fake licenses use generic certificate templates downloaded from the internet, with no official FSSAI logo or seal.
- Refusal to Show Certificate: If a food business refuses to show their FSSAI certificate when asked, they may not have one.
How to verify physically displayed certificates:
- Note down the 14-digit FSSAI number from the displayed certificate.
- Verify it online using the FSSAI portal (as described above).
- Cross-check the business name, address, and expiry date on the portal with the physical certificate.
- If there's a mismatch or the number doesn't verify, the certificate is likely fake.
How to Report a Fake FSSAI License
If you discover a fake FSSAI license or suspect a food business is operating without proper certification, you can report it to FSSAI authorities:
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- Take a photo of the fake certificate or FSSAI number displayed at the premises.
- Note the business name, address, and contact details.
- Collect any supporting evidence (product labels, invoices, receipts).
Step 2: File a Complaint on the FSSAI Portal
Visit the FSSAI complaint portal or email the State Food Safety Officer in your area. FSSAI has a dedicated grievance redressal system for reporting non-compliant food businesses.
FSSAI Complaint Portal: https://foodsafety.gov.in (Navigate to "Grievances" or "Report a Complaint")
Step 3: Contact Local Authorities
You can also report fake licenses to your local Food Safety Officer or municipal health department. They have the authority to inspect premises, seize products, and take legal action.
FSSAI Helpline: 1800-112-100 (toll-free) or email: complaints@fssai.gov.in
What happens after you report:
- FSSAI or local authorities will investigate the complaint.
- If the business is found operating without a valid license or using a fake license, they can face penalties up to ₹5 lakh, business closure, product seizure, and criminal prosecution.
- The business will be required to obtain proper FSSAI certification or cease operations.
Why Should You Choose IndiaFilings for FSSAI Verification Assistance?
If you're a food business operator looking to get your own FSSAI license quickly and correctly—or if you need help verifying supplier credentials, ensuring compliance, or navigating the FSSAI portal—IndiaFilings is here to help.
Our team of qualified professionals provides end-to-end FSSAI registration and licensing services, including document preparation, FoSCoS portal filing, license verification support, and renewal assistance. We help food businesses across India get certified, stay compliant, and operate with confidence. Whether you're a startup bakery, a restaurant chain, or a food manufacturer, IndiaFilings simplifies the FSSAI process so you can focus on growing your business. With pan-India support and deep expertise in FSSAI regulations, IndiaFilings is your trusted partner for hassle-free food safety certification.
Ready to get your FSSAI license or need help verifying credentials? Skip the portal hassle — let our experts file it today and ensure your business is FSSAI-compliant.