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Food license applicants urged to use online system directly
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Tuesday, 18 August, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
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The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged Food Business Operators (FBOs) and other applicants seeking food licenses in the state to apply directly through the authorised online system and avoid agents or intermediaries claiming to facilitate approvals. The advisory follows instances of individuals and establishments allegedly posing as authorised representatives of the FDA and demanding money from applicants by misusing the names of government officials or employees.
The Maharashtra FDA clarified that the government has not appointed any agent, intermediary, organisation or other authorised person to handle applications for food licenses. The process of applying for and obtaining a food license has been made available online, allowing applicants to submit their applications and required documents directly through the designated government portal.
For food-related licensing, applicants have been advised to use the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at foscos.fssai.gov.in. The portal provides the application facility as well as guidelines relating to the food license and registration process.
The FDA has specifically cautioned citizens, FBOs, license holders and other establishments against individuals who claim to be authorised agents of the department or promise to secure food licenses by using their contacts with FDA officials. Such persons may also misuse the names of government officials or employees to seek payments from applicants.
The department said applicants do not need to approach intermediaries for submitting applications or obtaining approvals. They can access the authorised online system themselves, complete the application process and upload the required documents in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said, “No agent or intermediary is required to obtain licenses related to Food. The Maharashtra FDA has not appointed any person for this purpose. Applicants should personally use the government's authorized online system to apply for licenses. If any individual or organization demands money by citing the names of government officials, a complaint should be lodged with the authorities immediately.”
The FDA has also asked applicants to report any instance in which an FDA official or any person claiming to act on behalf of the department demands money for processing a food license application. Complaints can be lodged through the Commissionerate's official email. The department has stated that the identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.
The advisory is intended to ensure that applicants use the prescribed online mechanism, reduce dependence on unauthorised intermediaries and prevent fraudulent persons from exploiting the licensing process. It also seeks to make applicants aware that payment to an individual claiming to be an FDA representative is not part of the authorised food licensing procedure.
Applicants can refer to the official Food License application process and guidelines available through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in/assets/docs/fbo/HowtoapplyforLicense_registrationcertificate.pdf.
The Maharashtra FDA has called upon all concerned applicants to rely only on official government portals and prescribed procedures for food licensing and to remain alert to individuals seeking money on the promise of obtaining or expediting a license.
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