Now Complain About Dirty Hotels and Bad Food With Just a Scan: FSSAI Makes QR Codes Mandatory
New Delhi, 2nd August 2025: In a major step to empower consumers and improve food safety standards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new directive mandating all food business operators—including restaurants, dhabas, cafés, food stalls, and shops—to prominently display their FSSAI license or registration certificate at locations clearly visible to customers.
The move aims to ensure transparency, boost public trust, and give customers easy access to redressal mechanisms in case of unhygienic conditions or substandard food.
QR Codes Must Be Displayed for Complaints
In addition to the license display, FSSAI has directed all food establishments to place QR codes linked to its ‘Food Safety Connect’ mobile app at entry points, billing counters, and seating areas. This will allow customers to instantly verify the outlet’s registration status or lodge complaints about issues like:
Dirty premises
Poor food quality
Misleading product claims
The app will enable consumers to directly report problems in real-time, helping authorities take swift action.
Applies to Online Food Delivery Platforms Too
The directive will also apply to online food delivery aggregators and restaurant websites, which must display either the QR code or app download link, ensuring online customers have the same access to information and complaint tools.
This guideline falls under Condition No. 1 of the license terms outlined in the 2011 Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations.
‘Customer Empowerment’ Is the Goal
An FSSAI official said, “The goal is to empower customers to make informed choices about where they eat and raise complaints easily when something goes wrong. This will also push food businesses to maintain hygiene and transparency.”
The new measure is expected to boost accountability in the food industry, particularly at a time when customer trust and safety are paramount amid rising concerns about food adulteration and hygiene.
How It Helps You
The next time you step into a restaurant or order food online, look for the FSSAI certificate and scan the Food Safety Connect QR code to:
Verify FSSAI license details
File a complaint quickly
Help improve food quality standards in your area
With this, FSSAI hopes that consumers will feel more confident in voicing concerns, leading to better compliance and safer food for all.
