Verify FSSAI License Online – Complete Guide for Consumers & Food Businesses
Need to verify if a food business is legally registered in India? The FSSAI License Number Check Online tool makes it fast and easy to confirm whether a company holds a valid food license.
Whether you’re a consumer ensuring food safety, a delivery platform vetting vendors, or a food business owner checking your compliance status. This guide walks you through everything. So, let’s learn how to verify FSSAI license numbers, decode license types, and avoid dealing with unregistered or non-compliant food operators.
Also, For FSSAI licenses and Zomato registrations, click here to visit Instafiling’s service page.
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 (FSSAI). It is mandatory for all food businesses operating in India, be it manufacturers, restaurants, home bakers, or cloud kitchens.
There are various benefits you can gain from using an FSSAI License Number are:
- Track the FBO’s license or registration details
- Check renewal status
- Prevent food fraud and ensure food safety
FSSAI License Number
Now let’s examine the structure and the sections of the FSSAI License Number.
The 14-digit FSSAI license number is divided into five sections. Each of these sections has its own meaning and indicates specific information
- 1st Digit:- It indicates whether the business is registered or not and the type of registration of the business
- 1 = Registration,
- 2 = State License,
- 3 = Central License
- 2nd and 3rd Digits:- Indicates the State code, which represents the Indian state in which the business is registered
- 4th and 5th Digits:- Indicates the year of issue or granting of license
- 6th and 8th Digits: Indicates the Approving officer code, which is the code of the designated FSSAI officer who issued the license
- 9th and 14th Digits: Indicates the unique FBO identifier which is a unique number for the specific Food Business Operator (FBO)
Types of FSSAI Licenses
Now that you know how to check your license, let’s clarify the different types of FSSAI licenses and who needs them.
| License Type | Who Needs It | Annual Turnover | Validity Period |
| Basic Registration | Small businesses and startups | Up to ₹12 lakhs | 1–5 years |
| State License | Medium-sized businesses | ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 Crores | 1–5 years |
| Central License | Large businesses (Import/ Export) | Over ₹20 crores | 1–5 years |
Why Check the FSSAI License Number Online?
Now let’s understand why it’s important to verify an FSSAI License online and what are the benefits of it.
Verifying an FSSAI license number helps you to:
- Protects consumers from unsafe or substandard food
- Avoid dealing with unlicensed food businesses
- Detect unregistered or counterfeit food operators
- Identify expired, fake, or non-renewed licenses
- Ensure business credibility for partnerships or fundings
- Confirm the legitimacy of restaurants or suppliers
- Maintains compliance with FSSAI regulations
Did you know?
💡All registered food businesses must display their FSSAI number at their premises and on packaged products.
💡 FSSAI can impose penalties of ₹5 lakh and imprisonment up to 6 months for unlicensed food businesses under Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006.
Step-by-Step process to check FSSAI License Number Online
Follow these steps to check an FSSAI license number through the official FoSCoS website.
- Visit the FoSCoS Portal
Go to the official site: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in - Click on ‘FBO Search’
Under the License/Registration section, choose FBO Search. - Enter the 14-Digit FSSAI Number
Input the license number in the search box and submit. - View Details
The results will show:- Business name
- Address
- License number and validity
- License status (Active/Suspended)
- Type of license (Central/State/Basic)
What is the Difference Between FSSAI License & Registration?
| Category | FSSAI Registration | FSSAI License |
| Required For | Petty food businesses (annual turnover < ₹12 lakh) | Medium & large food businesses |
| Type | Basic | State / Central |
| Number Format | 14-digit number beginning with ‘2’ | 14-digit number beginning with ‘1’ |
| Issuing Authority | Local Municipal Officer | State/Central FSSAI Authority |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I file a complaint if an FBO has no license?
Yes, consumers can file complaints via the Food Safety Connect app or by contacting the State FSSAI Office.
- Can small businesses operate without a license?
Even if the annual turnover is below ₹12 lakh, small businesses still require a basic FSSAI Registration.
- Is it legal to use someone else’s FSSAI number?
Sharing or misusing FSSAI license numbers is punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
- Is the online verification system free?
Yes, both the FoSCoS portal and FSSAI mobile app offer free license verification services.
- What if the status of my FSSAI license shows ‘expired’?
You should renew your license before the expiry date to avoid a ₹100/day penalty. If it expires, you may need to apply for a new license.
Conclusion
In today’s food ecosystem, verifying an FSSAI license isn’t just a legal formality, it’s essential for building trust, ensuring public safety, and maintaining your brand’s credibility. The FSSAI License Number Check Online tool empowers consumers and businesses alike to make informed, safe decisions.
Whether you’re checking a restaurant’s compliance or verifying your own license status, staying informed helps avoid legal pitfalls and ensures you’re engaging with only genuine food operators.
