How to check FSSAI food licence status (2026)

1. Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in → Track Application.
2. Enter Reference Number + captcha.
3. Status shows: Application → Inspection Scheduled → Inspection Done → Approved / Issued.
4. If “Inspection Pending” beyond 30 days, contact Designated Officer of your district.
5. If issued, download licence PDF (digitally signed).
6. For renewal: same portal → Apply → Renewal → submit before expiry (no late renewal allowed).

What we hear from RTI Wiki users: Sneha, a 29-year-old founder of a small bakery in Bengaluru, applied for FSSAI State Licence. Status said “Pending Inspection” for 78 days despite 60-day SLA. She filed an RTI to FSSAI Karnataka Designated Officer asking inspection status + reason for delay + projected issuance. Reply in 22 days revealed inspector visit was scheduled but cancelled twice without notice. Inspection done in 9 days; licence issued in 18 days.

• Inspection pending — most common. Fix: physical visit to Designated Officer + RTI.
• Sample test failed (for high-risk food: dairy, meat). Fix: address quality issue + re-apply.
• Documents incomplete — proof of address, identity, NOC from premises owner. Fix: re-submit.
• Wrong category selected — Basic vs State vs Central based on turnover. Re-apply correctly.
• Premises not ready for inspection — sanitation/storage issues. Fix: rectify before re-inspection.
• Renewal missed — late renewal not allowed; fresh application needed. Fix: file fresh.

• Basic Registration (turnover ≤ Rs. 12 lakh) takes only 7 days, no inspection. Most micro-businesses use this.
• State Licence (Rs. 12 lakh - 20 cr turnover) needs inspection — typically 30-60 days.
• Central Licence (above Rs. 20 cr OR e-commerce / multi-state operations) — 60-90 days.
• Display FSSAI number on your packaging mandatorily — non-compliance attracts penalties.
• Annual returns (Form D-1 + D-2) mandatory by 31 May each year — even nil returns. Penalty Rs. 100/day for late.

FSSAI: 1800-112-100 · compliance@fssai.gov.in · State FBO helplines vary · LegalRaasta and other intermediaries (avoid; direct via foscos cheaper)

The official SLA on this service is published. If your status is stuck beyond it, you have a statutory right under §6 RTI Act 2005 to demand information from the public authority. Reply mandatory in 30 days.

File an RTI to: FSSAI Designated Officer (Centre/State based on category)

Ask these 5 questions:

1. application status by reference
2. inspection date + report
3. sample-test results (if applicable)
4. reason for delay
5. projected issuance

→ Use our free AI RTI Drafter to generate a complete §6(1) application in 60 seconds. The Drafter pre-fills your name, address, fee statement, and the 5 questions above.

→ Or speak it in हिन्दी / English / 9 other Indian languages via AwaazRTI.

→ For deeper case-law on this scenario: Read the full RTI guide for trade licence.

• Q: Do all food businesses need FSSAI? — Yes — if dealing with food in any way. Even home-based catering above Rs. 12 lakh turnover.
• Q: Basic vs State vs Central — what threshold? — Basic ≤ Rs. 12 L · State Rs. 12 L - 20 cr · Central > Rs. 20 cr OR multi-state OR e-commerce.
• Q: Renewal — when? — Apply 30-60 days before expiry. Late renewal NOT allowed; fresh application required.
• Q: Penalties for non-compliance? — Rs. 5,000-Rs. 5 lakh under FSS Act §57-59 + criminal prosecution for serious violations.
• Q: Can I sell food online without FSSAI? — No — Swiggy/Zomato/Amazon mandatorily require FSSAI for onboarding. Direct e-commerce too.

To check status: use the official portal listed above with your reference number. SLA is published; if stuck beyond it, file a free RTI.

• If status is normal → wait the published SLA, then download/use your document
• If status is delayed → click 🪄 AI RTI Drafter now; complete §6 application in 60 seconds
• If status is rejected → demand reasons under §4(1)(d) RTI Act; appeal/represent
• For state-specific guidance → see state-by-state guide

• 🪄 AI RTI Drafter — type problem, get §6 application
• 🎤 AwaazRTI — voice-to-RTI in 11 Indian languages
• 🔮 Outcome Predictor — score your draft's win-likelihood
• ⚖️ First Appeal Generator — §19(1) draft on Day 31
• 📬 PIO Reply Checker — analyse evasive replies
• 📅 Timeline Calculator — track 30-day window
• 💰 Fee Calculator — state-wise fees
• 🔍 RTI Research — AI Q&A from this site

• Master guide: Full RTI for trade licence
• State-by-state: Pick your state
• Citizen RTI playbook: All 100+ scenarios
• The RTI Act 2005: Complete guide
• All status-check guides: All 25 status-check pages

• RTI Act 2005 §§6, 7, 19
• Official portal (linked in Quick Facts)
• Statute referenced in Quick Facts

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.