In India, it is a requisite for every food enterprise to acquire a permit from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. FSSAI registration certifies that the food items being vended by the enterprise adhere to the safety and quality benchmarks established by the FSSAI. The FSSAI licence number, a 14-digit alphanumeric code, serves as a seal of approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It substantiates that the food product adheres to the stringent standards and regulations laid out by the authority.
As a purchaser, it holds significance to determine whether the food item you are buying possesses a legitimate FSSAI permit. Under this blog, we shall find out how to check FSSAI licence no. on the label of products.
What is FSSAI Licence Number on Labels of Food Products?
Before delving into the process of how to check FSSAI licence number on label, one must realise what is the FSSAI licence no. printed on the label of food products. Assigned by the FSSAI, the FSSAI licence no. consists of a distinct 14-digit code allocated to each individual food establishment. This alphanumeric code stands as evidence of the enterprise’s FSSAI licencing, affirming that the food commodities offered by the establishment align with the safety and excellence criteria prescribed by the FSSAI. Positioned on the product’s packaging, consumers can utilise the FSSAI licence no. to validate the legitimacy of the licence.
Why is it Important to Check FSSAI Licence Number on Label?
Before going into the process of how to check FSSAI licence no. on label, it is essential to know the significance of verifying FSSAI Licence number on food products. This can be understood through following factors:
Ensuring Safety and Quality Compliance
Verifying the FSSAI licence number displayed on the label of a food product holds paramount importance due to multifaceted reasons. Foremost, this practice serves as a crucial step in ascertaining that the food item aligns with the rigorous safety and quality benchmarks stipulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This validation process ensures that the food product has undergone requisite checks and balances, rendering it safe for consumption by the general populace.
Mitigating Risks of Counterfeit Products
Subsequently, the practice of cross-referencing the FSSAI licence no. effectively functions as a bulwark against the proliferation of counterfeit or fraudulent food products. Counterfeit edibles pose substantial health risks as they might encompass deleterious elements or fail to meet the stringent safety and quality thresholds laid down by the FSSAI.
Upholding Transparency and Accountability
In a broader context, the verification of the FSSAI licence number plays an instrumental role in fostering transparency and accountability within the realm of the food industry. It assumes the pivotal task of substantiating the legality of food-related businesses while concurrently confirming their adherence to the exacting safety and quality prerequisites stipulated by the FSSAI.
In essence, before realising how to check FSSAI licence no. on label, one must know its significance. Doing this safeguards not only individual health but also augments the broader fabric of trust that underpins the food industry. Through this scrutiny, consumers actively contribute to a safer and more accountable food ecosystem while compelling businesses to maintain the highest levels of quality and compliance.
Guide on How to Check FSSAI Licence Number on Labels
The detailed guide on how to check FSSAI licence no. on label of food products is as follows:
Step 1: Identify the FSSAI Logo
The initial step in the process of how to check FSSAI licence no. on label of products involves identifying the FSSAI logo. Recognisable by its circular shape, the logo encompasses a central tick mark with the acronym ‘FSSAI’ elegantly inscribed around it. Positioned either on the front or back of the product label, this emblem signifies compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Step 2: Locate the FSSAI Licence Number
In the second step of how to check FSSAI licence no. on label of products, proceed to locate the crucial FSSAI licence no. on the FSSAI logo. This unique 14-digit numerical code is generally positioned beneath the FSSAI logo. Given that the font size might be compact, employing a magnifying glass could be necessary to accurately decipher the number.
The 14-digit FSSAI licence no. can be broken down into five distinct sections, each providing specific insights:
Section 1: Registration Status
The first digit of the FSSAI number serves as an indicator of whether the food business has acquired FSSAI registration or a licence. This digit helps ascertain the authenticity of the licence.
Section 2: Geographic Location
Digits 2 and 3 of the licence number offer valuable information regarding the state where the respective food business is registered. This geographical detail aids in validating the origin of the product.
Section 3: Year of licencing
The fourth and fifth digits in the licence number signify the year in which the food business was granted the FSSAI licence. This temporal element is pivotal for gauging the product’s compliance timeline.
Section 4: Enrollment Count
Occupying the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions, these digits provide insights into the number of enrolling masters associated with the specific FSSAI licence. This section adds an additional layer of detail to the verification process.
Section 5: Unique Identifier
The final segment of the licence number, comprising digits 9 to 14, offers a distinctive identifier for the Food Business Operator. This component aids in distinguishing between various operators with FSSAI licences.
Step 3: Validate the Licence Number
With the FSSAI licence no. identified and understood, the last step necessitates validating its authenticity. This can be accomplished through the official FSSAI website: https://foodlicencing.fssai.gov.in/index.aspx. Upon accessing the website, navigate to the ‘Search Licence/Registration’ option.
Input the 14-digit licence number into the provided search box and initiate the search process by clicking the ‘Search’ button. A successful validation will prompt the display of comprehensive details related to the specific food business on the screen. Conversely, if the licence number is invalid or non-existent, an error message will be promptly exhibited, prompting caution.
Final Thoughts
In a landscape where food safety and quality stand as paramount concerns, knowing how to check FSSAI licence number on label emerges as an essential practice. By following a step-by-step guide to assess the legitimacy of the FSSAI licence no. on food product labels, consumers can fortify their confidence in the products they consume.
Moreover, understanding why this practice matters is of utmost significance. It ensures that the food product aligns with safety and quality standards, assuring consumers of its harmlessness. Also, it acts as a bulwark against counterfeit goods that might pose health risks. It further upholds transparency and accountability in the food industry, prompting businesses to operate legally and adhere to set standards.
For more information on how to check FSSAI licence no. on label, connect with us at StartupFino.
