How to Spot Fake & Adulterated Food Products in India
Simple checks to spot adulterated milk, spices, oil, honey and packaged foods, plus what to look for on the label before you buy.
6-Point Verification Checklist
#1Check FSSAI license number
Every food product must display a 14-digit FSSAI license number. Verify at foscos.fssai.gov.in. Products with "FSSAI Applied" stickers for >6 months are suspicious.
#2Verify the FSSAI logo
The green FSSAI logo must have the license number printed below it. Counterfeits often have blurry logos, wrong colors, or missing license numbers.
#3Check manufacturing and expiry dates
Dates must be printed (not stickered). Sticker-over-sticker is a major red flag. Use our Expiry Checker to calculate remaining shelf life.
#4Packaging seal integrity
Check for tampering — broken seals, re-glued flaps, or puncture marks. Milk packets should be firm, not leaking or bloated.
#5Quick adulteration tests at home
Milk: Add water to a smooth surface — pure milk flows slowly. Honey: put a drop on paper — real honey doesn't soak through. Turmeric: add water — real turmeric settles, metanil yellow colors water immediately.
#6Price sanity check
If the price is significantly below MRP or market rate, it's likely counterfeit or adulterated. Pure saffron below ₹200/gram is almost certainly fake.
Found a Counterfeit? Report It
Report to FSSAI via the Food Safety Connect app, call FSSAI helpline 1800-112-100, or contact your local Food Safety Officer.
More Anti-Counterfeit Guides
About Counterfeit Products in India
India loses an estimated $16 billion annually to counterfeit goods (FICCI CASCADE 2022). The problem spans pharmaceuticals, FMCG, electronics, auto parts, and luxury goods. Counterfeit products not only cause financial losses to legitimate manufacturers but also pose serious health and safety risks to consumers.
The Indian government has taken steps including the Drugs & Cosmetics (Amendment) Act increasing penalties, FSSAI's food safety surveillance program, and BIS mandatory certification for electronics. However, enforcement remains a challenge, making consumer awareness the first line of defense.
References
- FICCI CASCADE Report on Counterfeiting in India, 2022
- ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers' Association) Annual Report 2024
- WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for Substandard and Falsified Medical Products
- CDSCO Annual Quality Testing Reports 2022-23
Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information compiled from published consumer protection resources. It does NOT constitute legal or professional product authentication advice. For suspected counterfeit products, contact the relevant authorities.