Labelling of food products
A food label must tell what the food is, what is in it, who made it and how long it keeps. FSSAI's labelling regulations make these items mandatory.
Mandatory label items on pre-packaged food
| Item | What it means | Example: a biscuit packet |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name of the food | A true name that shows the nature of the food | Glucose biscuits |
| 2. List of ingredients | In descending order of weight at the time of making (not needed for single-ingredient foods) | Wheat flour, sugar, edible vegetable oil, invert syrup, milk solids, salt |
| 3. Nutrition information | Energy (kcal), protein, carbohydrate with total and added sugars, total fat with saturated and trans fat, cholesterol (for animal fats) and sodium, per 100 g or 100 ml, plus per-serve % of the daily allowance | A small nutrition table on the back |
| 4. Veg or non-veg symbol | Green or brown symbol near the name | Green circle in a green square |
| 5. Food additives | Class name with the INS number or specific name | Raising agents (INS 503(ii), INS 500(ii)) |
| 6. Name and address | Of the brand owner (maker, marketer or packer); for imported food, also the importer in India | Made by: ABC Foods, Chennai |
| 7. FSSAI logo and licence number | Shows a licensed food business | FSSAI logo with the 14-digit number |
| 8. Net quantity | By weight, volume or number | Net wt. 200 g |
| 9. Lot or batch number | Identifies the batch for tracing and recall | Batch No. B2510 |
| 10. Date marking | Date of manufacture or packing, and the Use by / Expiry date; Best before may be added | Mfd. MAY 2026; Use by NOV 2026 |
| 11. Country of origin | For imported food | Country of origin: Australia (on imported cheese) |
| 12. Instructions for use | Where needed for safe or correct use | Store in a cool, dry place |
| 13. Allergen declaration | Foods known to cause allergy: cereals with gluten, crustaceans, milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soybean, sulphites (10 mg/kg or more) | Contains wheat (gluten) and milk |
Use by vs Best before
Under the 2020 regulations the Use by or Expiry date is the required date and Best before may be given in addition. Older books show Best before as the main date.
Symbols and logos on Indian food packs
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green filled circle inside a green square | Vegetarian food |
| Brown filled triangle inside a brown square | Non-vegetarian food: contains any part of an animal, bird, fish or egg (milk, milk products and honey do not count). Older books show a brown circle. |
| FSSAI logo with licence number | Made or marketed by a licensed food business |
| '+F' logo | Fortified food, e.g. fortified salt, oil, milk, atta or rice |
| Jaivik Bharat logo | Certified organic food |
General labelling rules
- The label is in English or Hindi (Devanagari); a regional language may be added.
- It must not be false, misleading or deceptive in words, pictures or claims.
- It must be clear, legible and prominent, and not easily removed.
- The key items go on the principal display panel, the part of the pack seen first.
- Claims such as 'low fat', 'high protein' or 'sugar-free' must meet FSSAI's advertising and claims rules.
- MRP and consumer-care details are also required, under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules.
- Very small packs get some relaxations; loose food is labelled or displayed as the regulations allow.
Misbranding
A food is misbranded when its label is false or misleading, it imitates another food, it makes a false nutrition or health claim, or it leaves out mandatory details. Misbranding is an offence under the FSS Act and brings a penalty. Example: a pack labelled '100% pure ghee' that contains vanaspati is both adulterated and misbranded.
Dietitians read the nutrition panel and allergen line to choose foods for diabetic, renal or allergic patients. A hospital or canteen store checks the Use by date, batch number and FSSAI number at receiving.
2 marks: “Draw and explain the veg and non-veg symbols.” Green filled circle inside a green square for vegetarian; brown filled triangle inside a brown square for non-vegetarian (any animal part or egg).
5 marks: “Differentiate 'Use by' and 'Best before'.” Use by/Expiry is the safety date, required on packaged food; do not sell or eat after it. Best before is an optional quality date; food may lose quality after it. Give one example each.
10 marks: “List and explain the mandatory labelling requirements for pre-packaged foods in India.” Name; ingredients in descending order; nutrition information; veg/non-veg symbol; additives; name and address; FSSAI logo and number; net quantity; batch; date marking; country of origin; instructions; allergens; then general rules and misbranding.
A label answers eight questions: What is it? What is in it? How much? Who made it? Is it licensed? Which batch? Until when? Is it safe for me (veg, allergens)?