How to Check Whether an FSSAI Certificate Is Genuine

As a food business owner, ensuring that your FSSAI certificate is genuine is critical for compliance, trustworthiness, and avoiding legal complications. Whether you're verifying your own certificate or checking that of a supplier, knowing the process saves time and protects your business.

What is an FSSAI Certificate?

An FSSAI certificate is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), confirming that your food business meets the prescribed safety and hygiene standards. Depending on your business type, size, and turnover, you might have either an FSSAI registration or an FSSAI license. This document is essential for running a food business legally in India.

If you’re new to the concept of registration and licensing, you can check out our complete beginner's guide to FSSAI registration for more details.

Why Verify the Authenticity of an FSSAI Certificate?

Fake certificates are unfortunately not uncommon, and using one—whether knowingly or unknowingly—can lead to severe consequences. These include hefty fines, legal action, and damage to your reputation. If you're sourcing ingredients or products from vendors, it's equally important to verify their FSSAI licenses to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

How Can You Check Whether an FSSAI Certificate Is Genuine?

Here’s a simple step-by-step process to verify the authenticity of an FSSAI certificate:

1. Locate the FSSAI License or Registration Number

Every FSSAI certificate has a unique 14-digit number. This number is crucial for verification. If you're checking your own certificate, you can find it on the document issued by FSSAI. If you're verifying a vendor's certificate, ask for their 14-digit FSSAI number.

2. Visit the Official FoSCoS Website

To verify a certificate, go to the FoSCoS website. This is the official portal managed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

3. Use the 'License/Registration Number' Search Tool

Once you’re on the FoSCoS website:

• Navigate to the 'License/Registration Number' search section.
• Enter the 14-digit license or registration number in the search field.
• Submit the form and wait for the result.

4. Review the Details

The search result will display key information, including:

• Name of the food business
• Address
• License type (Basic, State, or Central)
• Validity period
• Status (Active, Suspended, or Expired)

Compare these details with the certificate provided to ensure they match. If the details don’t align or if the number doesn’t exist in the database, the certificate might be fake.

5. Look for the QR Code

Many FSSAI certificates now come with QR codes, which can be scanned using a smartphone. The QR code should direct you to the official FSSAI database entry for the certificate. If scanning the QR code doesn’t yield results or redirects to an unofficial site, be cautious.

Common Issues When Verifying FSSAI Certificates

Incomplete Information

Sometimes, food business owners fail to provide the full 14-digit license or registration number. Always insist on the complete number for verification.

Expired Licenses

An expired license is not valid. Check the certificate's validity period during verification.

Fraudulent Websites

Be cautious of third-party websites claiming to verify FSSAI certificates. Only use the official FoSCoS portal for this purpose.

Practical Example: Verifying a Vendor’s FSSAI Certificate

Imagine you run a co-working kitchen in Bangalore and need to source ingredients from a supplier. Before placing a bulk order, you ask for their FSSAI certificate. After receiving the 14-digit number, you visit the FoSCoS website and input the details. The search reveals that the certificate is active, the address matches, and the supplier has a valid State license—giving you the confidence to proceed with the order.

If you’re setting up your own co-working kitchen, our detailed guide on FSSAI registration for co-working kitchen spaces in Bangalore can help.

What to Do if You Suspect a Fake Certificate

If you suspect a certificate is fake:

1. Report It to FSSAI: Lodge a complaint on the FoSCoS portal or contact the FSSAI helpline.
2. Avoid Business Transactions: Don’t engage with vendors or partners whose certificates cannot be verified.
3. Seek Legal Advice: Consult a legal expert to understand your rights and obligations if you inadvertently worked with a fraudulent certificate.

Tatkal FSSAI Can Assist You

If you’re unsure about verifying a certificate or navigating FSSAI processes, Tatkal FSSAI can help. As a private consultancy, we specialize in simplifying FSSAI registration, license applications, and related paperwork for food businesses across India.

Protect Your Food Business

Taking the time to verify FSSAI certificates is an essential step to ensure compliance and avoid future complications. Whether you're starting a new venture or expanding your operations, make this a regular practice. For more insights into FSSAI registration, check out our registration guides.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect your business, build trust with customers, and contribute to safer food practices in India.