1. General Labelling Requirements

The FSSAI has set out detailed rules for the labelling of food products, which all food manufacturers must follow to ensure transparency and consumer safety.

• Language: Labels must be in English or Hindi in the Devanagari script. Other regional languages can also be used, but the English/Hindi text must remain the primary language and not conflict with the supplementary languages
  
  
• Legibility: All information must be clearly visible, indelible, and readable by the consumer under normal conditions of use and purchase

2. Product Name

The product name on the label should accurately reflect the nature of the food. In some cases, if no specific name exists, a common or descriptive name can be used. The name of the food product should not be misleading, and it should align with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations

3. Ingredients List

For most packaged food, a list of ingredients must be declared. This list must be provided in descending order of weight or volume. The FSSAI also specifies that food additives, preservatives, or other substances used must be clearly listed. Special attention is given to allergens ingredients like milk, peanuts, and soy must be clearly declared as allergens

• Allergens: The FSSAI mandates that certain allergens must be declared prominently. These include common food allergens such as gluten, eggs, milk, peanuts, and fish

4. Nutritional Information

Food labels must also include nutritional information per 100g or per serving, calculated based on standard adult dietary requirements. The key nutrients listed include:

• Energy (kcal)
  
  
• Fats (total, saturated, and trans fat)
  
  
• Carbohydrates (total and sugars)
  
  
• Proteins
  
  
• Sodium (mg)

For fortified products, the specific nutrients added (like vitamins or minerals) must also be included in the nutritional panel

5. Date Marking

Date marking includes the date of manufacture, expiry date, and use by date. The date of manufacture and packaging must be clearly stated, while the expiry date informs consumers of when the product may no longer be safe to consume. For products with short shelf lives (less than three months), the date should be in DD/MM/YY format; for longer shelf life products, the month and year are sufficient

• Best Before vs. Use By: The term “Best Before” signifies the end of the period when the product will retain its best quality, though it may still be safe to consume beyond this date. The “Use By” date, on the other hand, indicates the end of the product’s safe consumption period

6. Allergen Labelling

Food businesses must declare the presence of known allergens as per FSSAI guidelines. These include:

• Gluten (Wheat, barley, rye, etc.)
  
  
• Peanuts and Tree Nuts
  
  
• Milk and Eggs
  
  
• Fish and Crustaceans

7. Labelling for Veg/Non-Veg Foods

To assist consumers in making informed dietary choices, food packages must display clear symbols for vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. The symbols are regulated by FSSAI:

• Green Circle: For vegetarian foods
  
  
• Brown Triangle: For non-vegetarian foods

8. FSSAI Logo and License Number

Every food product label must display the FSSAI logo and the license number of the manufacturer or the brand owner. This ensures that the product has been registered and meets the regulatory standards For imported products, the label should also include the name and address of the importer in India, along with the country of origin

9. Special Dietary Foods and Health Claims

If a product is marketed as suitable for special dietary uses (like gluten-free, vegan, or diabetic-friendly products), it must comply with specific regulations and include the necessary declarations. Similarly, if health claims (e.g., “low-fat,” “high-protein”) are made, the label must be in compliance with FSSAI’s Advertising and Claims Regulation 2018

10. Mandatory Warnings and Declarations

For certain ingredients, the FSSAI mandates specific warning labels. For example:

• Artificial sweeteners: Foods containing artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin must include a warning about their potential effects, such as not being suitable for children or pregnant women
  
  
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Foods containing MSG must carry a label stating that it’s “not recommended for infants below 12 months and pregnant women”.

11. Exemptions from Labelling Requirements

Certain food products are exempt from some labelling requirements, such as:

• Small Packages: Products with a surface area less than 100 cm² are exempt from some labelling details like ingredients, nutritional information, and expiry dates, but these must be included on multi-unit packages
  
  
• Fresh Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables, including those in their natural state, are not required to carry an expiry or best-before date.

12. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with FSSAI labelling regulations can result in serious consequences for food businesses. Penalties include fines, product recalls, and even closure of operations in severe cases. Therefore, ensuring compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal and reputational damage