The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised Food Business Operators (FBOs) and other applicants to apply for food licences directly through the government’s authorised online system and avoid agents or intermediaries claiming to facilitate approvals.
The advisory follows complaints about individuals and establishments allegedly presenting themselves as authorised representatives of the FDA and demanding money from applicants, sometimes by using the names of government officials or employees.
The Maharashtra FDA clarified that it has not appointed any agent, intermediary, organisation or individual to handle food licence applications. Applicants can complete the entire process online by submitting the necessary information and documents through the prescribed government platform.
Food businesses have been advised to use the Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
FoSCoS website: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
The portal provides facilities for food licence and registration applications, renewals and related services, along with information and guidelines covering the application process.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said no agent or intermediary is required for obtaining food-related licences and applicants should personally use the government-authorised online system. He also urged businesses to immediately report anyone demanding money by claiming connections with government officials.
The FDA has particularly cautioned FBOs, licence holders and establishments against individuals promising faster approvals or claiming that they can secure licences through their contacts within the department.
Applicants have also been asked to report cases where an FDA official, intermediary or any person claiming to represent the department seeks money for processing a food licence application. According to the department, the identity of individuals providing such information will be kept confidential.
The advisory is aimed at reducing dependence on unauthorised intermediaries and protecting food businesses from fraudulent practices. The FDA stressed that making payments to individuals claiming to represent the department is not part of the authorised food licensing procedure.
The move is also expected to increase awareness among small food manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, caterers and other FBOs who may otherwise depend on outside agents for regulatory applications.
Detailed guidance on applying for a food licence or registration certificate is also available through FoSCoS:
Application guidelines:
https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/assets/docs/fbo/HowtoapplyforLicense_registrationcertificate.pdf
The Maharashtra FDA has urged food businesses and other applicants to rely only on official government platforms and prescribed procedures and remain alert to anyone seeking money on the promise of obtaining or speeding up a food licence.
With food licensing and registration increasingly moving to digital systems, direct use of the official FoSCoS portal can help applicants maintain greater control over their applications while reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorised payments.