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How to Check FSSAI License Number Real or Fake

Food safety is not something you can ignore anymore. Whether you are ordering food online, buying packaged items, or eating at a restaurant, one small mistake can affect your health. That’s why the FSSAI license number plays a very important role.

Every food business in India—restaurants, manufacturers, cloud kitchens, and even small vendors—is required to have an FSSAI license issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). But here’s the problem: many fake or unregistered businesses either show a fake license number or use someone else’s number.

The good news is, you can verify any FSSAI license in just a few minutes.

This guide will walk you through all methods, step by step, so you can easily check whether an FSSAI license number is real or fake.

FSSAI License Number Real or Fake

Why You Should Check FSSAI License Number

Checking a license is not just a formality—it’s a safety habit.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Detect fake or unregistered food businesses
  • Avoid unsafe or unhygienic food
  • Ensure legal compliance of the seller
  • Protect your health and family
  • Avoid scams in online food businesses

If a business cannot provide a valid FSSAI number, that’s already a warning sign.

What is an FSSAI License Number?

An FSSAI license number is a 14-digit unique number given to food businesses.

Example:

  • 12345678901234

What it represents:

  • First digit → Registration or license type
  • Next digits → State code, business details
  • Last digits → Unique business ID

If the number is not 14 digits, it is invalid or fake.

Method 1: Check via FSSAI Official Website (Most Reliable)

This is the best and official method.

Use FSSAI FoSCoS Portal

Steps to Follow:

  1. Open your browser
  2. Visit the official FSSAI FoSCoS website
  3. Look for “Search Food Safety License” option
  4. Enter the 14-digit FSSAI license number
  5. Fill captcha
  6. Click on Search / Submit

What you will see:

  • Business name
  • Address
  • License type
  • Validity status (Active/Expired)

Result:

  • If details match → License is real
  • If no data found → Fake or invalid number

Method 2: Check Using Food Safety Connect App

For mobile users, this is very convenient.

Use Food Safety Connect

Steps:

  1. Download the app
  2. Open it
  3. Select “License/Registration Search”
  4. Enter FSSAI number
  5. View details instantly

Advantage:

  • Works fast
  • Easy to use
  • Also allows complaints

Method 3: Verify Details on Product Packaging

Every packaged food item must display FSSAI details.

What to check:

  • FSSAI logo
  • 14-digit license number

Steps:

  1. Take the product
  2. Note the FSSAI number
  3. Verify it on the official website

Warning:

  • If number is missing → Avoid product
  • If number doesn’t match online → Fake

Method 4: Cross-Check Business Details

Even if a number exists, it can be misused.

Steps:

  1. Enter license number on FoSCoS
  2. Check:
  • Business name
  • Address
  1. Compare with actual seller

Result:

  • Match → Genuine
  • Mismatch → Fraud or misuse

Method 5: Check License Validity Status

Sometimes a license is real but expired.

Steps:

  1. Search FSSAI number
  2. Look for:
  • Validity date
  • Status

Result:

  • Active → Safe to consider
  • Expired → Not legally allowed to operate

Method 6: Check via QR Code (If Available)

Some businesses provide QR codes.

Steps:

  1. Scan QR code using phone
  2. It redirects to license details

Result:

  • If it shows official data → real
  • If not → suspicious

Method 7: Contact FSSAI or File Complaint

If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it.

What to do:

  • Use Food Safety Connect app to report
  • Contact FSSAI helpline
  • File complaint with details

This helps stop fake food businesses.

Common Signs of Fake FSSAI License

Watch for these red flags:

  • License number not 14 digits
  • No record found online
  • Business name mismatch
  • Expired license
  • Poor quality printing on packaging
  • Seller avoiding questions

Quick Checklist (Before Trusting Any Food Business)

  • 14-digit license number present
  • Verified on official website
  • Business details match
  • License status is active
  • Packaging looks genuine

Common Problems & Solutions

1. No data found

→ Double-check number, or it may be fake

2. Wrong business name

→ Possible misuse of license

3. Website not loading

→ Try later or use mobile app

Important Tips

  • Always verify before bulk purchase
  • Don’t trust only logos—verify number
  • Check online food sellers carefully
  • Save verified businesses for future

Final Thoughts

Checking an FSSAI license number is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from unsafe food. It takes less than a minute, but it gives you complete clarity.

Just remember one thing:
A real food business will never hesitate to show a valid license.

Make it a habit—verify first, trust later.

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