Do you remember the time Maggie was banned? It was because Maggi noodles in India contain high levels of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG), a taste enhancer. The discovery of these harmful substances in the product led to a nationwide ban on Maggi noodles, causing a significant loss for the company. The incident brought the issue of food safety to the forefront. It highlighted the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure that food products sold in India are safe for consumption.
As a result of many such food controversies, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) revised the food safety standards, tightened regulations, and increased surveillance to ensure the safety of food products.
Food Labelling FAQ
This FAQ blog will explore food labelling laws in India and give you answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. All packaged food products sold in India must have an FSSAI license number, which indicates that the regulatory authority has approved the product.
What are the food labelling laws in India?
Food labelling laws in India are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011. It prescribes the mandatory labelling requirements for all packaged food products sold in India.
What are the mandatory labelling requirements for packaged food products in India?
The mandatory labelling requirements for packaged food products in India include the following information:
- The name of the food
- The list of ingredients
- Nutritional information
- The date of manufacture and expiry
- Net quantity
- The name and complete address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer
In addition to these requirements, all packaged food products sold in India must have an FSSAI logo and license number, which indicates that the regulatory authority has approved the product.
What are the requirements for the name of the food on the label?
The name of the food should be clear and descriptive, and it should reflect the true nature of the food product. It means that food products cannot label misleading names or claims that do not accurately describe the product. For example, a product labelled as “fruit juice” must contain at least 10% fruit content, whereas a “fruit-flavoured drink” may have none.
How should the list of ingredients be presented on the label?
The list of ingredients should be accurate and comprehensive and listed in descending order of their proportion by weight or volume. The first ingredient listed is the most predominant in the food product, and the last element listed is the least dominant.
The list of ingredients must have clear allergen information, and any food additives used in the product must be identified by their name or code number.
What are the requirements for nutritional information on the label?
A specified format should be used for writing nutritional information, including the food product’s energy value, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and dietary fibre. The nutritional information must be provided per 100 grams or 100 millilitres of the food product, and it should be accurate and verified by a laboratory.
What is the date of manufacture and expiry requirements on the label?
Manufacturers must mark the date of manufacture and expiry on the food label and in the format specified by the regulations. The expiry date should be a reasonable time after the date of manufacture, and it should be based on the expected shelf life of the food product.
If a food product is likely to deteriorate before the expiry date, the label should have a “best before” date instead of an expiry date.
What are the requirements for the net quantity on the label?
The net quantity of the food product should be clearly marked on the label and in metric units of weight or volume. It means that the weight or volume of the food product should be stated in grams, kilograms, millilitres, or litres, as applicable.
What are the requirements for the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer on the label?
The name and complete address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer should be clearly stated on the food label. This information helps consumers to identify the source of the food product and to contact the manufacturer or importer in case of any complaints or queries.
What are the requirements for the FSSAI logo and license number on the label?
The FSSAI logo and license number must be prominently displayed on the food label of all packaged food products sold in India. The FSSAI logo is green and orange with a white background representing the authority responsible for food safety and quality in India. The license number is a unique 14-digit number assigned to each food business operator by the FSSAI.
Using the FSSAI logo and license number on food labels is mandatory for all packaged food products in India. It ensures that consumers can quickly identify products approved by the regulatory authority that have undergone the necessary safety and quality checks.
Are there any exemptions to the food labelling requirements in India?
Some food products are exempt from mandatory labelling requirements, such as raw fruits and vegetables, water, and chewing gum. However, even exempt food products must comply with the general labelling requirements for the name and address of the manufacturer or importer and the FSSAI logo and license number.
Can food labels be in languages other than English?
Yes, food labels can be in languages other than English, but they must also include the mandatory information in English.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with food labelling laws in India?
Non-compliance with food labelling laws in India can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the violation. The regulatory authority can also seize and destroy non-compliant food products.
How can consumers ensure that the food products they buy comply with food labelling laws in India?
Consumers can ensure that the food products they buy comply with food labelling laws in India by checking for the mandatory labelling information, such as the name and address of the manufacturer or importer, the FSSAI logo and license number, and the date of manufacture and expiry. Consumers can also report any non-compliant food products to the regulatory authority.
What are restaurant menu labelling laws in India?
In India, restaurants are required to disclose certain information about the food they serve on their menus. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued guidelines for restaurants to display nutritional information on their menus. The procedures include requirements for displaying calorie counts, serving sizes, and allergen information.
To know more about restaurant menu labelling regulations in India, read our blog “Everything You Need To Know About FSSAI’s Food Labelling Regulations.”
The FSSAI logo and license number are crucial for food labelling in India. They serve as a mark of quality and safety for food products, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions about the food they purchase and consume.
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