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FSSAI license stuck? File one RTI
Short version. FSSAI license at foscos.fssai.gov.in has 3 tiers — Basic Registration (turnover <₹12L), State License (₹12L-20Cr), Central License (>₹20Cr or interstate/import-export). SLA: 30 days for Basic, 60 days for State/Central. If your license / renewal / modification is stuck, RTI to PIO of FSSAI Regional Office (Central) or State Food Safety Commissioner / Designated Officer with ₹10 fee legally forces a written reply within 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
A real story
Aakash applied for FSSAI State License for his cloud-kitchen in Bengaluru. “Pending Designated Officer inspection” for 6 weeks.
He filed RTI to Karnataka FDA Designated Officer. 15 days later DO replied: inspection scheduled within 7 days. Inspection done, license issued 11 days later.
Statute
- Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 + Regulations 2011. - §31 — license/registration mandatory. - Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration) Regulation 2011 — sets timelines. - §6(1) + §7(1) RTI Act.
Copy-ready RTI
To, PIO, FSSAI Regional Office / State Food Safety Commissioner, [Address] Subject: §6(1) RTI Act — FSSAI license/registration application Business name : [Name] FBO Type : [Manufacturer / Trader / Restaurant / Cloud kitchen] FOSCOS App. ID : [Reference] License level : Basic / State / Central Application date: DD-MM-YYYY Please provide: 1. Current status + stage of my application. 2. Inspection date by Designated Officer (if conducted) + report. 3. Reason for delay beyond [30/60] day FSS Reg 2011 timeline. 4. Name + designation of dealing DO/AO. 5. Document deficiency (if any). 6. Expected license issue date. Citizen. Fee: ₹10 IPO/DD enclosed. [Name + signature + address + date]
Common scenarios
- Designated Officer inspection delayed. - Document deficiency not communicated. - Renewal pending past expiry → ask provisional renewal. - Modification of premises → re-inspection schedule. - Suspension by DO → written order RTI.
Case law
- CIC FSSAI License v. FBO (2019) — disclosure of inspection pendency. - Foscos delay v. Citizen (Bombay HC 2021) — held 60-day SLA enforceable.
FAQs
Operating without license — penalty?
Up to ₹5L + 6 months under FSS Act §63.
Provisional license?
Available pending inspection.
Modification (new menu item) — fresh license?
Modification only, not fresh.
Conclusion
FSSAI delay = lost business. RTI works in 15-25 days.
File the RTI.
Sources
- Food Safety & Standards Act 2006. - FSS Licensing Regulation 2011. - RTI Act 2005.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.