A supplier sends you a food business licence number. A packaged snack shows one beside the FSSAI logo. Before placing an order or trusting the label, you can check that number yourself through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's public search. The check can reveal the food business operator (FBO), the premises and the recorded status, so you can compare them with the business in front of you.
The public entry point is FSSAI's licence verification page , which directs users to the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). On FoSCoS , open FBO Search. You do not need to send your documents or pay a third-party website to perform a public search.
A number appearing in search establishes what the official record says. It does not, by itself, prove that a particular pack is genuine, that the named business made that batch, or that the food is safe. Compare the business and premises details, then raise questions if they do not fit.
What is an FSSAI licence or registration number?
FSSAI's uniform numbering guidance sets out a 14-digit number for a licence or registration. Its first digit distinguishes the two: 1 indicates a licence and 2 a registration. The number alone does not tell you whether a licence is currently active or whether it covers the activity you are checking. Read the record on FoSCoS rather than judging by the digits alone.
The number may be printed on food packaging, invoices or a business certificate. Copy it exactly, including leading zeroes. If the print is faint, ask the seller for a clear copy of the certificate. You can also search the operator by business name and location in the portal when you cannot read the number.
How to check an FSSAI number online
- Open the official FSSAI verification page and follow its link to FoSCoS. Alternatively, visit foscos.fssai.gov.in directly and choose FBO Search.
- Choose the relevant licence or registration search option. Enter the Licence/Registration Certificate No. if you have it. FoSCoS also provides fields for Company Name, State and District; use these to narrow a name search.
- Complete the captcha and select Search. If there is no result, re-enter the digits carefully and try the business name with its location.
- Open the matching result and compare the FBO name, address or premises, category, kind of business and current status with the label, invoice or supplier certificate. Record the date of your check for your supplier file.
The FoSCoS interface can change. If a direct link fails, start from the FSSAI citizen verification page rather than relying on a saved search URL. FoSCoS also exposes an advanced FBO search with number and company-name fields.
A useful supplier check
Suppose a restaurant receives spices from a new wholesaler. A number on the pack returns a real FSSAI record, but it belongs to a different company and a different premises. That is a question to resolve, not instant proof of a fake product: a brand may use a separate manufacturer or packer. Ask for the relevant invoice, certificate and an explanation of who manufactured, packed and sold the goods. Keep the documents with the supplier record.
What should you compare in the search result?
- Operator name: Is it the same entity shown on the certificate? A trading brand and the licensed manufacturer may have different names; ask how they are connected.
- Premises: Does the address relate to the place of manufacture, packing, storage or sale that you are assessing? FSSAI's licensing FAQ explains that a licence is based on the premises.
- Kind of business: A record for one activity or location should not be assumed to authorise another. Check the actual activities in the record and certificate.
- Category and status: Check whether it is a registration, State licence or Central licence, and read the exact status shown. Do not infer continuing validity from a printed certificate alone.
- Your evidence: Save a dated copy or note of the public result and the supplier's explanation, especially when onboarding a food supplier.
Registration, State licence and Central licence in 2026
FSSAI revised its turnover bands with effect from 1 April 2026 for new applications. Its 27 March 2026 order and FAQs give the following broad categories:
| Category | Annual turnover band under the revised thresholds |
|---|---|
| Registration | Up to ₹1.5 crore |
| State licence | Above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore |
| Central licence | Above ₹50 crore |
These turnover bands help explain why a record has a given category. They are not a complete eligibility test for every kind of food business: check the applicable activity, scale and FoSCoS eligibility requirements. FSSAI said existing FBOs would be given time to migrate to the revised bands. Its FAQ also states that a migration due to the threshold change does not change the licence number. Therefore, a record in a category you did not expect is a reason to investigate the business particulars, not a reason to declare the number fake.
Does a 2026 FSSAI licence have an expiry date?
FSSAI's 2026 amendment introduced perpetual validity for licences and registrations: they remain valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. The official FAQ of 27 March 2026 says any licence or registration issued on or after 1 April 2026 has perpetual validity, including an application already under process that is issued after that date. FBOs no longer have to renew those approvals periodically, but they still have to meet applicable food safety and hygiene requirements. Fee obligations and other ongoing compliances should be checked separately.
If you have an older certificate showing an expiry date, do not assume the printed date alone tells the full 2026 position. Check the current record in FoSCoS and ask the operator for its latest certificate or official clarification if the public status and paper certificate do not agree. The FAQ's express statement about approvals issued from 1 April should not be casually extended to every older document without checking its current status.
Reading status or search problems
Active or valid: The record appears current; still confirm the premises and activity. Suspended or cancelled: Do not treat the certificate as permission for current food business activity. FSSAI's licensing FAQ says the operator must stop food business activity on a suspended or cancelled approval. Surrendered: Ask for another current approval if the operator claims to be trading. No result: Check the digits, search by name and location, and ask for the certificate; a failed query alone does not prove fraud. Read the exact words and date shown by the portal.
What if the result looks wrong?
If you are a buyer, ask the supplier for the latest certificate and a written explanation of any mismatch. A number belonging to an unrelated operator or a different premises deserves a pause before relying on it for that supplier. If the business cannot explain the mismatch, reconsider onboarding it and report a suspected false number through FSSAI's official channels.
If you are a consumer and have a complaint about packaged food, a food premises or an online food seller, use Food Safety Connect . Its complaint FAQ describes supplying the outlet number and supporting photos or a bill. Keep the packaging and invoice if available; a clear description of the product, place and date will help the authority review it.
If the result concerns your own business, sign in to your FoSCoS account and compare the official certificate and application status. FSSAI says a change to certificate details goes through the existing modification procedure. For a portal or record problem, use the FoSCoS helpdesk , rather than applying for a second licence just to correct a display issue.
Quick checklist before you rely on a supplier's number
- Search the 14-digit number through FSSAI's public route.
- Match the operator, premises and relevant business activity with the goods and documents.
- Read the current status, especially for an older certificate or a claimed 2026 perpetual approval.
- Ask for an explanation and evidence when a manufacturer, brand or seller has different details.
- Retain a dated record of the check and contact FSSAI if you suspect a false number or unsafe food.
Official sources
- FSSAI citizen licence verification
- FoSCoS public FBO search entry point
- FSSAI's 2026 licensing amendment FAQs and thresholds
- FSSAI's licence numbering guidance
- FSSAI Food Safety Connect
Need help checking your food business record?
If your FoSCoS entry or certificate needs review, TaxQue can help you understand the record and prepare the appropriate next step. Contact TaxQue or email info@taxque.in.
This guide is general information as at 5 November 2026. Check the current FoSCoS record and official FSSAI guidance for your situation.
