When you buy a packaged food product, whether it’s a carton of milk, a packet of biscuits, or a bottle of juice, you will notice a specific license number printed on the label. This number is a mark of quality and safety assurance from the country’s food regulator. This is the FSSAI license number. For consumers and food business owners in 2026, it is essential to understand what is a FSSAI license number and how to verify it. This number certifies that the food business operator complies with the safety and hygiene standards laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
What is an FSSAI License Number? A Simple Definition
An FSSAI license number is a unique 14-digit number that is issued to every registered Food Business Operator (FBO) in India. It is mandatory for any business involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food products to obtain this license or registration from the FSSAI. This number must be prominently displayed on the premises of the food business and printed on the labels of all packaged food products. The presence of this number on a food product signifies that the business has undertaken to follow the food safety regulations and standards set by the FSSAI.
The Structure of the 14-Digit FSSAI License Number
The 14-digit FSSAI number is not a random code. Each section of the number provides specific information about the food business operator. The structure is as follows:
- 1st Digit: Indicates the registration status (whether the business is registered or has a license).
- 2nd and 3rd Digits: Represent the State Code where the business is registered.
- 4th and 5th Digits: Represent the year in which the license was issued.
- 6th, 7th, and 8th Digits: Represent the code of the Registering/Licensing Authority.
- Last 6 Digits: Represent the unique serial number of the Food Business Operator.
By understanding this structure, one can glean basic information about the license just by looking at the number.
Types of FSSAI Registration/License
The type of FSSAI registration or license a food business needs depends on its size, turnover, and the nature of its operations. There are three main categories:
| Category | Who Needs It? | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Basic Registration | Petty food businesses, small retailers, hawkers, and temporary stall holders with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakh. | State Government |
| 2. State License | Mid-sized food businesses, including manufacturers, restaurants, and hotels with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. | State Government |
| 3. Central License | Large food businesses with operations in multiple states, 100% export-oriented units, and importers, with an annual turnover of more than ₹20 crore. | Central Government (FSSAI) |
How to Verify an FSSAI License Number Online
As a conscious consumer, you can easily verify the authenticity and details of the FSSAI license number printed on any food product. The FSSAI provides a simple online tool for this. Here’s a step-by-step guide for 2026:
- Visit the FoSCoS Portal: Go to the official FSSAI portal, which is the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS): https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/.
- Find the ‘FBO Search’ Tool: On the homepage, look for a tab or link named ‘FBO Search’ or ‘Track FBO’.
- Enter the FSSAI Number: Enter the 14-digit FSSAI license number that you want to verify.
- Enter the Captcha Code: Input the security captcha code shown on the screen.
- View the Details: Click ‘Submit’. The portal will display the details of the Food Business Operator associated with that license number. The information will include:
- The name and address of the company.
- The status of the license (whether it is active, expired, or cancelled).
- The validity period of the license.
- The type of business and the list of food products they are licensed to handle.
This tool is extremely useful for verifying the claims of a food manufacturer and ensuring that you are buying from a licensed and compliant business. Obtaining an FSSAI license is a critical step for any food business, just as an Udyam Registration is for an MSME or an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is for international trade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it mandatory for all food businesses to have an FSSAI license?
Yes, it is mandatory for every entity that is involved in the food business—from manufacturing and processing to packaging, storing, and distributing—to be registered or licensed with the FSSAI. Even a home-based baker or a small street food vendor is required to have at least a basic registration.
2. What is the penalty for not having an FSSAI license?
Operating a food business without a valid FSSAI license or registration is a punishable offense. The penalties can be severe, including hefty fines and imprisonment, depending on the nature and scale of the violation.
3. How long is an FSSAI license valid for?
An FSSAI license can be issued for a period of 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the Food Business Operator. The license must be renewed before its expiry to continue business operations legally.
4. Can I use the FSSAI license number to file a complaint against a food product?
Yes. If you have a complaint about the quality or safety of a food product, the FSSAI license number is a crucial piece of information. You can use this number when lodging your grievance on the FSSAI’s consumer complaint portal, as it helps the authorities to quickly identify and locate the responsible food business operator.
5. Does the FSSAI logo on a product mean it is healthy?
The FSSAI logo and license number on a product only signify that the business complies with the food safety and hygiene standards mandated by the law. It is a mark of safety, not a certification of the product’s health or nutritional value. You should still read the nutritional information on the label to make healthy choices.