You can check FSSAI licence number details yourself in a few minutes, and it is worth doing for any food brand you do not know. Every food business needs a registration or licence, and the 14 digit number is usually printed on the pack, menu or online listing. A quick search shows whether that number is real and still valid.
Quick answer
- Find the 14 digit FSSAI number on the pack, bill or listing.
- Open the FoSCoS portal and use FBO Search.
- Enter the number and the captcha, then submit.
- Match the business name, address, status and validity with the product.
Steps to check FSSAI licence number on FoSCoS
These steps follow the process described by Surepass. The official portal is FoSCoS. We have not tested the portal ourselves, so the screens may differ slightly.
- Note the number. A valid FSSAI number has 14 digits.
- Open FoSCoS and choose FBO Search.
- Type the number, fill in the captcha and submit.
- Read the result carefully.
What the result should show
First, the business name should match the brand you are buying. Then check the address, the licence type, the status and the validity date. The status may be Active, Expired or Suspended.
Also look at the kind of business and the product category. For example, a bakery licence for a brand selling dairy products would be a mismatch worth questioning.
When a number looks wrong
A number with more or fewer than 14 digits is likely fake. A message saying record not found suggests the number is not registered. An expired or suspended licence means the business is not legally allowed to operate.
So do not buy, and consider reporting it. You can use the FoSCoS consumer grievance section or call the FSSAI helpline on 1800-112-100 or 1967. You can also use the Food Safety Connect app, which we explain in a separate guide.
Licence or registration: does it matter?
Small businesses may hold a basic registration while larger ones hold a state or central licence. Both carry a 14 digit number. Still, the check is the same: the number must exist, match the seller and be active.
Why this check is worth doing
A licence number on a pack is a claim, not proof. Because anyone can print a number, the portal check is the only way to confirm it. Also, a valid number tells you the business is registered, which means it is accountable to the food regulator. That is a basic safety signal, although it is not a guarantee of quality.
Where to look for the number
On packaged food, the number usually sits on the label near the manufacturer’s address. For restaurants, look at the menu, the bill or the shop front. For online orders, check the listing or the invoice. So if you cannot find a number anywhere, ask the seller before you buy.
Smart habits when shopping
- Check the number for unfamiliar brands, home made products and festive sweets.
- Compare the name on the result with the brand on the pack.
- Look at the expiry date and the best before date as well.
- Take a photo of the label if something looks wrong.
Also remember that this check covers the business, not the specific batch. So if a product smells or tastes off, stop using it, whatever the portal says.
So make the check a habit, because it takes under a minute. Also, share the method with older relatives who buy sweets and packed food. However, do not rely on the number alone. Then look at the label, the date and the seal. Still, the portal is the best first step.
FAQ
How many digits are in an FSSAI number?
A valid FSSAI licence or registration number has 14 digits. Anything shorter or longer is a red flag.
Where can I verify the FSSAI number online?
Use the FBO Search tool on the FoSCoS portal of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
What should I do if the number is fake?
Stop using the product and report it through FoSCoS, the Food Safety Connect app or the helpline numbers above. Keep a photo of the pack.
