While eating out at a restaurant or ordering from a cloud kitchen, it is very rare for customers to think twice about whether the restaurant is registered to handle food. However, a valid food safety license is the most elementary sign of whether the restaurant is following the standards of hygiene and safety laid down by law.
In India, every food business is supposed to be registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This includes restaurants, cafes, takeaways, cloud kitchens, and even street food vendors. The registration details of such places are available on a public online portal.
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A simple check on this website can help customers avoid eating out at unregistered or possibly unhealthy food places.
How to verify a restaurant’s FSSAI licence
The verification process is free and takes only a few minutes.
Visit the official FOSCOS portal (Food Safety Compliance System) operated by FSSAI.
Click on the “FBO Search” option (Food Business Operator Search).
Enter available details such as the restaurant’s name, licence or registration number, state, or district.
The following information will be displayed on the portal:
Licence or registration number
Type of licence issued
Validity period
Registered address of the food business
Most restaurants have their 14-digit FSSAI number displayed on their bills, menus, or food delivery apps. This number can be directly checked on the portal for verification.
What to do if a licence is missing or invalid
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If the portal shows that a food outlet is operating without a valid licence or with an expired registration, consumers can raise a complaint through the same platform. Such reports are forwarded to local food safety officers for inspection and action under existing regulations.
Food safety experts say this simple habit can significantly reduce exposure to unhygienic kitchens and improperly handled food.
