The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in safeguarding food quality across the country. It oversees the production and distribution of food items nationwide. At the heart of its regulatory framework lies the FSSAI Certification Number, a 14-digit code that provides vital details about each food product. This article aims to explain the significance of every digit in the FSSAI Certification Number. By understanding state codes and decoding manufacturing dates, we can demystify this essential identifier. Comprehending the structure and importance of the FSSAI Certification Number empowers consumers to make informed choices, ensuring the safety and quality of the food they consume.
What is FSSAI Certification Number?
The 14-digit FSSAI Certification Number identifies food products approved by India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority. This unique code signifies the product meets safety and quality standards. It includes the state code where the food business operator registered, the operator’s registration number, food category, manufacturing date, and a validation check digit. The FSSAI Certification Number promotes transparency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions while ensuring the food supply chain’s integrity and safety in India. Consumers can rely on this number as a mark of assurance for food products.
Structure of FSSAI Certification Number
The FSSAI Certification Number adheres to a particular format, consisting of 14 digits. Each digit within the certification number conveys crucial details about the food item and the food business operator. Let’s examine the structure of the FSSAI Certification Number:
State Code (Digits 1-2):
These initial two digits signify the state code where the food business operator (FBO) is registered. The FSSAI assigns a unique code to each state in India.
Registration Number (Digits 3-7):
Following the state code, the subsequent five digits represent the registration number of the FBO. This registration number helps identify the specific FBO responsible for manufacturing or processing the food product.
Product Category (Digits 8-9):
Digits eight and nine signify the food product’s category, where various classifications, such as dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables, and others, receive designated codes assigned by the FSSAI.
Manufacturing Date (Digits 10-13):
The following four digits, from ten to thirteen, represent the manufacturing date, providing consumers with vital information to evaluate a food item’s freshness and shelf life.
Check Digit (Digit 14):
The final digit, the fourteenth, serves as the check digit in the FSSAI Certification Number. Calculated through a specific algorithm, this digit validates the entire number’s accuracy and integrity.
State Code (Digits 1-2)
The initial two digits within the FSSAI Certification Number signify the specific state where the Food Business Operator obtains registration. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India assigns a distinctive code to each state nationwide, facilitating identification of a food product’s geographical origin and the responsible regulatory body overseeing it.
For example, the state codes might be as follows: “12” for Maharashtra, “09” for Uttar Pradesh, and “33” for Tamil Nadu.
By examining these initial two digits, consumers and regulatory agencies can promptly determine the FBO’s location and the corresponding state authority responsible for monitoring food safety standards within that region.
Registration Number (Digits 3-7)
The numerals from three to seven in your FSSAI license number pinpoint the particular food business in charge of making or handling the item. This exclusive set of digits differentiates one company from others registered in the same state.
Typically, the registration number has five digits. It acts as a crucial identifier for regulatory purposes. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, assigns a unique registration number to each registered food business. This system facilitates tracing products and holding companies accountable throughout the supply chain.
For instance:
A food business in Maharashtra with the state code “12” and registration number “34567” might have the FSSAI license number beginning with “1234567.”
Verifying the legitimacy of food items and tracing their source to the responsible Food Business Operator becomes easier with the help of the registration number. This facilitates adherence to safety guidelines and transparency within the food industry, benefiting consumers, regulators, and stakeholders.
Product Category (Digits 8-9)
The 8th and 9th digits in the FSSAI Certification Number indicate the Product Category code, providing vital details about the type of food product. These two digits enable a quick identification of the product’s classification, aiding consumers and regulatory bodies alike.
The standardized Product Category code is assigned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to various food items based on their composition, ingredients, and characteristics. This systematic categorization facilitates accurate product identification and regulatory compliance.
Examples of Product Category codes include:
01: Dairy products
02: Meat and meat products
03: Fruits and vegetables
04: Cereals and cereal products
05: Bakery products
06: Beverages
07: Packaged foods
08: Edible oils and fats
09: Condiments and spices
The initial digits allow consumers to swiftly identify the general food category, facilitating informed decisions based on their dietary preferences and needs. Regulatory bodies utilize this data to enforce tailored regulations and standards for each food type, ensuring market safety and quality.
Manufacturing Date (Digits 10-13)
The subsequent four digits, 10 through 13, represent the Manufacturing Date, providing valuable insights into when the product was produced or manufactured.
Comprehending the creation timeframe is paramount for consumers to evaluate the freshness, longevity, and caliber of the edible item they intend to procure or ingest.
The manufacturing date is traditionally represented in the configuration of DDMM, where DD signifies the day and MM denotes the month of production. This date symbolizes the juncture when the comestible was processed or fabricated by the Food Business Operator (FBO).
For example:
If the digits denoting manufacturing date read “0512,” it indicates that the item was brought into existence on the 5th of December.
If the digits denoting manufacturing date read “2802,” it signifies that the item was brought into existence on the 28th of February.
Check Digit (Digit 14)
The 14th digit in the FSSAI Certification Number is called the Check Digit. It acts as a verification code, ensuring the certification number’s accuracy and authenticity. This single digit undergoes a specific calculation using an algorithm that considers the preceding digits.
The Check Digit aims to detect any errors or inconsistencies that may arise during data entry, transmission, or processing of the certification number. By applying a mathematical formula to the preceding digits, the Check Digit is generated in a way that can identify potential mistakes or fraudulent modifications to the certification number.
The Check Digit calculation method for FSSAI Certification Numbers may differ, but its core purpose remains constant. Validating the Check Digit allows consumers, regulators, and others to confirm the certification number’s authenticity. This builds trust in the food product’s safety and quality.
Conclusion
India’s FSSAI Certification Number is crucial for food safety and quality assurance. Our exploration revealed each digit’s significance, from state codes to manufacturing dates. This system empowers consumers to make informed decisions. It promotes transparency in the food industry and maintains supply chain integrity. The FSSAI Certification Number serves as a reassuring beacon for consumers navigating the intricate marketplace, ensuring their purchases align with stringent safety norms and elevated quality benchmarks. As a steadfast commitment to upholding robust food standards takes center stage, this essential identifier stands as an indispensable safeguard, fortifying public well-being and fostering unwavering trust within India’s expansive food landscape.
