Verify a food business through the official FoSCoS search using the 14-digit FSSAI licence or registration number, or the available name/location filters. Match the displayed legal name, premises, Kind of Business, products and validity with the package, invoice or establishment. A search result helps verify a record; it does not independently prove that every product or batch is safe.
What the number means
FSSAI issues a 14-digit registration or licence number to an approved food business premise. The number identifies the regulatory record; it is not a product certification mark and must not be borrowed across unrelated premises or entities.
Who should verify
Consumers can check the identity behind a displayed number. Buyers, marketplaces, distributors, brand owners and institutional customers should also verify suppliers during onboarding and periodically thereafter. FBOs should confirm their own public record after grant, renewal or modification.
Official search methods
Use the FoSCoS licence/registration search or its commodity, category and area search. Avoid third-party databases for a final conclusion. The portal may offer filters by number, business name, state, district, Kind of Business or product depending on the search screen.
Step-by-step verification
Copy the 14-digit number exactly; open the official FoSCoS search; choose licence/registration search; enter the number and captcha or requested filters; submit; then compare the result with the package, invoice or premises. Save a dated PDF or screenshot for vendor due diligence.
How to read the result
Review the FBO/legal name, registered premises address, status, validity dates, licence type, Kind of Business and product/category details. A brand owner's number and a manufacturer/packer/importer number may both need to appear on a packaged food label where they differ.
Red flags
Investigate an expired, suspended or cancelled status; mismatched entity or premises; a number that belongs to another Kind of Business; products outside the approved scope; altered certificates; or a label showing fewer mandatory licence details than the Labelling and Display Regulations require.
No-result troubleshooting
Recheck all 14 digits, remove spaces, try official name/location search and consider recent portal updates. Ask the FBO for the grant certificate and application reference. Do not declare a business illegal solely because of a temporary portal failure; escalate through FoSCoS/FSSAI.
Consumer complaints
Unsafe food, misleading use of a number or hygiene concerns can be reported through FSSAI's official consumer grievance channels or the relevant State food-safety authority. Preserve the product, batch/lot details, invoice, photographs and search evidence.
Supplier due diligence
Portal verification should be combined with certificate review, product-scope matching, invoice identity, test reports where relevant, recall history and contractual warranties. High-risk procurement may justify an on-site audit.
Verification record
Record the date, number searched, result URL/screenshot, licence validity, scope checked, discrepancies, follow-up owner and next review date. Reverify after renewal or material change.
Frequently asked questions
Can I search by business name?
FoSCoS provides search options beyond the licence number, although available filters can vary by screen.
Does an active licence guarantee that food is safe?
No. It verifies the regulatory record, not the safety of every batch or current practice.
Why may two FSSAI numbers appear on a label?
The brand owner and actual manufacturer, packer, marketer, bottler or importer may be different and the regulations can require both relevant numbers.
What if the portal shows no result?
Recheck the number and use alternative official filters; seek confirmation before drawing a legal conclusion.
Official sources and legal references
These are primary starting points used for the legal verification completed on 23 July 2026. Gazette notifications prevail over convenient compilations if they conflict.
Editorial review record
| Review level | Reviewer | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial research | TargoLegal Research and Editorial Desk | Completed | 23 July 2026 |
| Independent legal/FSSAI professional | Qualified reviewer to be assigned | Professional review pending | — |
