FSSAI License Number Explained

What is FSSAI and why it is important for food businesses in India?

Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates as a legal monitor, and regulates every stage of the food journey in India, from production and storage to distribution, trade, and even import. They safeguard public health by setting and enforcing strict food safety standards.

FSSAI plays a crucial role in ensuring that food items meet safety and hygiene standards for human consumption. Furthermore, it protects consumers from contamination, inferior quality, and deceptive assertions. FSSAI also spreads awareness and educates people about food safety and nutritional aspects.

Types of FSSAI Certification and the Criteria for Each

In India, food businesses can obtain one of three FSSAI certifications: registration, state license, or central license. The eligibility for each certification is determined by factors such as yearly revenue, production volume, and the type of food operation. The subsequent table outlines the eligibility criteria for each certification:

Obtaining an FSSAI license number serves to authenticate the food business operator and the products they handle. Additionally, it aids in tracking the origin and destination of food items in the event of any food safety concerns or grievances.

Benefits of Having an FSSAI License Number

The benefits of having an FSSAI license number are:

• It boosts the trustworthiness and standing of the food enterprise in the marketplace and with the clientele.
• It simplifies adherence to food safety and quality benchmarks and guidelines.
• It grants access to governmental programs, grants, and benefits tailored to the food industry.
• It offers legal protection and exemption from sanctions and penalties if unintentionally breaching the food safety standards.
• It establishes a competitive edge and amplifies the growth prospects for the food enterprise.

FSSAI License Number Explained

Every Food Business Operator (FBO) is mandated to prominently lay out their FSSAI license number, obtained upon initial licensing, both on their products and within their establishment. The FSSAI license remains valid for a period of up to five years. Upon its expiration, renewal becomes compulsory, accompanied by the submission of requisite documentation.

The FSSAI license number, standardized for all food businesses, is comprised of 14 numerical digits. Variations in the FSSAI registration numbers are contingent upon the magnitude of the food business's operations.

The 14-digit FSSAI license number is segmented into five distinct sections for clarity:

Section 1: The inaugural digit of the FSSAI number discerns the licensing status of the food enterprise.

Section 2: The subsequent two digits (2nd and 3rd) provide insights into the specific State where the Food Business is officially registered.

Section 3: The fourth and fifth digits correspond to the specific year of the FSSAI license issuance.

Section 4: The consecutive three digits (6th to 8th) signify the total count of enrolled master data.

Section 5: The concluding six digits (9th to 14th) of the FSSAI number uniquely identify the License Number allocated to the Food Business Operator (FBO).

Process to Check FSSAI License Number

To verify the authenticity and specifics of an FBO's FSSAI license number online, follow these steps:

• Access the official FoSCoS website https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/. Find and select the 'FBO Search' option from the main page.
• Provide the license number along with the captcha verification, then proceed by clicking the 'Submit' option.
• Upon submission, the screen will present the details associated with the FSSAI license. The displayed information will include:
  • FBO/company designation.
  • Physical address of the establishment.
  • The assigned license number.
  • Classification of the license (State or Central License).
  • Current status of the license (active or inactive).
  • Compilation of products associated with the FBO.

FSSAI License Number Guidelines

FBOs are required to prominently feature the 14-digit FSSAI license number on their packaged goods. Additionally, FSSAI mandates the allocation of its logo to FBOs, which must be affixed on all packaged food items. The typography and hue of both the FSSAI logo and license number should sharply contrast with the background of the product packaging to ensure clear visibility.

When importing products into India, the FSSAI license number serves as a requisite document to present to the relevant authorities. The specifications for the dimensions of the characters and numerals align with the stipulations outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation of 2011.

The presence of the FSSAI logo and license number on food items signifies the FBO's adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. FBOS must affix the license number at the primary location of each of their establishments. Furthermore, FBOs are obligated to exhibit Food Safety Display Boards at their establishments, detailing the license number and distinct color codes corresponding to various sectors.

FBOs are expected to showcase the FSSAI logo and license number on their products for the entire duration of their license's validity, which spans a maximum of five years. Before the expiration of their FSSAI license, FBOs should initiate the renewal process at least 180 days in advance and continue to display the logo and license number post-renewal.

For financial transactions and documentation purposes, all food businesses must incorporate the FSSAI license number on purchase invoices, cash receipts, bills, and cash memos. However, an exception exists for the GST E-way bills and other automated government documents where manual inclusion of the FSSAI license number is not mandatory.