The apex regulator for Food in India is food safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It’s among its chief tasks to issue licenses to Food Business Operators (FBOs) that meet specified standards. These FSSAI licenses carry a 14 digit number that FBOs should display on their food products, premises and documentation.
Now, as more counterfeit and adulterated food enter the marketplace, consumers should now confirm the authenticity of the FSSAI license number on the item they’re buying. Let us learn how to check FSSAI license number real or fake or how to check fssai license authenticity – which means you are able to make an educated choice regarding the security of your food.
Understanding the FSSAI License Number
The structure and components of the FSSAI license number must be understood before you start with the verification process. The 14 digit number for FSSAI registration has 5 sections which offer various details about the FBO:
- Section 1 (first digit): Indicates if the FBO received the FSSAI registration/license.
- Section 2 (second and third digits): Represents the state code where the food business is registered and operates.
- Section 3 (fourth & fifth digits): Indicates year the FBO obtained the FSSAI license.
- Section 4 (sixth, seventh and eighth digits): The number of enrolling master.
- Section 5 (last 6 digits): Represents the FBO licence number.
Verification of FSSAI License Number
Now that the structure of the FSSAI license number is clear, let us know how to check FSSAI license authenticity:
- Visit the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) Web site
- From the Home Page click the ‘FBO Search’ tab.
- Enter the 14 digit FSSAI license number you want to verify and the captcha code shown on screen.
- Click the ‘Submit’ button.
If the FSSAI license number is authentic and valid, the site will show the following details:
- FBO/company name.
- Premises address.
- License number.
- Kind of License (State License and Central License).
- Validity (active or inactive)
- List of FBO products.
In case the license number is fake or invalid, the website will display a message that the license number isn’t in the FSSAI database.
How to Check FSSAI License is Correct?
Verify the license number along with the authenticity of the FSSAI license itself. The steps are as given below:
- Check out the FSSAI logo: The FSSAI logo should be clearly visible on food product packaging. Check that the logo color, font and design matches the official FSSAI logo.
- The license number format must be inspected: Be certain the license number has got the proper format, which includes the appropriate amount of digits in each section.
- Verify for typos or inconsistencies: Look for typos, misspellings or inconsistencies in the license number or other info on the packaging.
- Verify expiration date: FSSAI licenses have a validity period of as much as five years. Confirm that the license that’s shown on the product is still valid without expired.
Sticking with these guidelines will help you answer the question – how to check fssai license number real or fake, and may help you make a choice regarding the security and quality of the food you consume.
Why FSSAI License Authenticity is Important
The authenticity of the FSSAI license number must be verified for several reasons:
- Food Safety: FBOs which meet required food safety requirements receive FSSAI licenses. The license must be true so you know the food products were made and handled legally and safely.
- Consumer Protection: Counterfeit and contaminated foods could be bad for consumers. Check the FSSAI license number to identify and avoid such products.
- Legal Compliance: FBOs should post a valid FSSAI license number on their products. Verifying the license number assures the FBO is legally operating under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Quality Assurance: FSSAI licenses are granted to FBOs meeting quality requirements in food production, storage and handling. Checking the license authenticity means the food you eat meets required quality standards.
Other Tips for How to Check FSSAI License Authenticity
While checking the FSSAI license number and authenticity is essential, the following are some other tips:
- Report Suspicious products: In case you discover a food product with a different or invalid FSSAI license number, report it to the right authorities for more action and investigation.
- Look at FSSAI License Number Search by Name: At times you have to look for the FBO’s name within the FSSAI database to check out their license specifics.
- Be Vigilant: Check for updates and changes in the FSSAI licensing guidelines and verification processes frequently.
Closing Thoughts
Nowadays food security and consumer protection are primary things and making sure the authenticity of the FSSAI license number is a main step in keeping the security and quality of the food you consume. Sticking to the steps in this blog can enable you to figure out in case the FSSAI license number on a food product or service is fake or real and can make an educated choice regarding food. Remember, your health and wellness are invaluable, so taking a few extra minutes to verify the FSSAI license authenticity could protect them.
FAQs
1. How do I verify an FSSAI license number?
For assistance confirming a FSSAI license number, follow these directions :
- Go to FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) Web site.
- Go to ‘FBO Search’ on the website.
- Enter the fourteen digit FSSAI license number you wish to verify and the captcha code on the screen.
- Click the ‘Submit’ button.
- For any valid license number, the site will show details of the FBO (company name, premises address, license type, validity, list of products).
2. Where can I get the official database/platform to validate an FSSAI license number?
The official validation platform for an FSSAI license number is the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) site, maintained by the FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India).
3. How do you confirm that an FSSAI license number is authentic?
You want the 14-digit license number on the food item packaging or premises to confirm the FSSAI license number is valid. You might also be asked a captcha code as a security question on the FoSCoS website.
4. How do I report suspected bogus FSSAI license numbers?
You can report alleged fictitious or fraudulent FSSAI license numbers. Anybody finding a food product with a invalid FSSAI license number should report it to authorities like the FSSAI or regional food protection officials for additional investigation and action.
5. What are the signs associated with an incorrect FSSAI license number?
These are the signs of a fake FSSAI license number:
- The license number has an incorrect fourteen digit format and structure.
- The license number isn’t in the FSSAI database searched on the FoSCoS site.
- The license number or other information on the packaging is typographically or misspelled, or inconsistent.
- The FSSAI logo on the packaging is indistinguishable from the official logo in color, font & style. Design.
- The license number displayed is expired and invalid.
