FSSAI Licence for Pickles: What It Means and How to Verify It

What an FSSAI number on a pickle jar tells you, how to look it up on the official FoSCoS portal, and what it does not guarantee.

In this guide

• Quick answer
• What FSSAI is
• What the number on a pickle jar tells you
• What the number does not tell you
• Registration and licence: the general difference
• Where to find the FSSAI number
• How to verify an FSSAI number on FoSCoS
• Reading the result
• One business, several brands, more than one number
• Why this matters for handmade pickles bought online
• Other label details worth reading
• The Pickle Affair's details
• Jars to consider
• FAQs

Quick answer

An FSSAI licence or registration number on a pickle jar shows that the business behind it is registered with India's food safety regulator. You can look the number up on FSSAI's official FoSCoS portal and check that the business name matches the label. The Pickle Affair is packed by Arham Foods under FSSAI licence 21521053000490.

What FSSAI is

FSSAI is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the national regulator for food safety. Food businesses that make, pack, store, or sell food come under its framework, and the number you see on a food label links that product to a business on the regulator's records.

For pickle buyers, this matters because achar is often bought from small brands, home-style kitchens, and online stores. A visible FSSAI licence for pickles gives you a way to find out who is actually responsible for the jar in your hands.

What the number on a pickle jar tells you

The FSSAI number printed on a label, usually next to the FSSAI logo, identifies the food business behind the product. It tells you that the business is on record with the regulator and can be traced, which is useful if you ever have a question or complaint about a product.

It also helps you tell the difference between a brand name and the business that stands behind it. The name on the front of the jar is the brand; the FSSAI number points to the registered business.

What the number does not tell you

• It is not a taste or quality rating. Two licensed brands can make very different pickles.
• It does not describe the recipe. Check the ingredient list for oil, sweetener, spices, and any additives.
• It does not tell you freshness. Look for the packing date and best-before date on the label.
• It is not a health claim. Pickle is a condiment; enjoy it in small portions as part of a balanced meal.
• It does not replace your own checks. A good seal, clean jar, and natural colour still matter.

Registration and licence: the general difference

You will see both words used. In general terms, FSSAI issues a basic registration to smaller food businesses and a licence to larger ones, and both come with a number that can be printed on the label. For a buyer, either one means the business is on the regulator's records.

The categories, thresholds, and procedures are set by FSSAI and can change, so this guide does not quote them. If you are a seller wondering which one applies to you, the official FSSAI website and FoSCoS portal are the right places to check.

Where to find the FSSAI number

• On the jar label — usually beside the FSSAI logo, often near the manufacturer, packer, or marketer details.
• On the brand's website — many brands show it in the footer, on product pages, or on an About page.
• On the outer packaging — gift boxes and cartons may repeat it.
• By asking — a genuine seller should be happy to share the number and the registered business name.

How to verify an FSSAI number on FoSCoS

FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) is FSSAI's official online portal. Menu names can change over time, but the steps below describe the general process.

1. Note the full FSSAI number exactly as printed on the jar or website.
2. Open the official FoSCoS portal through the FSSAI website, rather than a third-party site.
3. Look for the public option to search or verify a food business by licence or registration number.
4. Enter the number and view the details shown for that business.
5. Compare the business name and address with the manufacturer or packer named on the label.
6. Check that the record appears to be current rather than expired or cancelled.

Reading the result

• Name matches — the business name should match the packer, manufacturer, or brand owner printed on the jar.
• Location makes sense — the address or state should be consistent with where the label says the pickle was packed.
• Record is current — if it looks expired or no result appears, ask the seller before buying.
• No result at all — re-check the digits first; a single typing error is the most common reason.

One business, several brands, more than one number

A single food business can sell under more than one brand name, so different brands may show the same number. The Pickle Affair is a brand of Arham Foods, which is why you will see Arham Foods named alongside our licence number.

Some labels also show more than one number, for example when one business makes or packs the food and another markets it. What matters is that each number leads back to a business named on the label.

Why this matters for handmade pickles bought online

Many people now buy traditional achar online from small makers rather than from a local shop where they know the family. When you cannot see the kitchen, the FSSAI number, a clear label, and an identifiable business are how you know who made your pickle.

Small-batch and handmade do not have to mean informal. A brand can follow a traditional Kathiawadi recipe, make it in small batches, and still be fully on record with the regulator.

Other label details worth reading

• Ingredients — listed so you know the oil, sweetener, and spices used.
• Net weight — useful when comparing jar sizes.
• Packing and best-before dates — the best guide to freshness.
• Storage instructions — follow these over general advice.
• Vegetarian symbol — the green mark on vegetarian food.
• Contact details — a way to reach the business if you have a question.

The Pickle Affair's details

The Pickle Affair is a brand of Arham Foods. Our pickles follow traditional Kathiawadi recipes, are made in small batches without synthetic colours, and are packed in Maharashtra under FSSAI licence 21521053000490.

You are welcome to look the number up on FoSCoS yourself. Then judge our Homemade Mango Pickle, Gor Keri, or Gunda Keri the way any pickle should be judged: by the label, the ingredients, and the taste.

Choosing between 250 g and 500 g jars

Every Pickle Affair variety comes in 250 g and 500 g jars. The smaller jar is the right first order when you are trying a new style — you find out whether your family likes methi bitterness or jaggery sweetness without committing to a large jar.

Once a style becomes a household staple, the 500 g jar makes more sense per gram and means fewer re-orders. If you want more than 500 g of one style, two 500 g jars are better than one huge jar: one stays sealed and fresh while the other is in use.

Shop related collections

These collection hubs match this guide’s intent — use them to compare jars before you buy:

• Explore /collections/fssai-handmade-pickles
• Explore /collections/buy-gujarati-pickle-online

Jars to consider from this guide

Homemade Mango Pickle | Aam ka Achar

Handmade Kathiawadi pickle — ships across India.

View Homemade Mango Pickle | Aam ka Achar →

Gor Keri | Jaggery Mango Achar

Handmade Kathiawadi pickle — ships across India.

View Gor Keri | Jaggery Mango Achar →

Gunda Keri | Lasode ka Achar

Handmade Kathiawadi pickle — ships across India.

View Gunda Keri | Lasode ka Achar →

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

An FSSAI licence for pickles tells you who stands behind the jar, not how good the pickle is. Look the number up on FoSCoS, match the business name, and then judge by the label, the ingredients, and the taste.

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