FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations in India

Ashish M. Shaji

13 Jan, 2021

FSSAI Packaging and Labelling regulation came into force to secure the health and safety of the community at large. In this article, we will discuss the FSSAI guidelines for Packaging and Labelling.

Need for FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations

With the growing concern over the health risks that are involved in the consumption of packaged food, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India^[1] (FSSAI) is now stringent on the regulatory norms related to FSSAI packaging and labelling requirements.

In Common language, packaging means protecting products. It is the process of designing and producing packages. It protects and preserves the food article. When it comes to labelling, the information is vital for the safety of consumers and every food article has to be labelled accurately.

FSSAI Packaging and Labelling: Specific Requirements for Packaging

FSSAI Packaging and Labelling: Labelling Guidelines

Every food, which is placed in a package of any natural food and which is ready for sale to the consumer shall carry a label containing the following as required by the FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations.

• The declaration shall be in English or Hindi in Devnagri script;
• The label which is mentioned should be correct and it must not be misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character;
• The label shall be applied in such a way that cannot be separated from the container;
• Contents on the label shall be clear, prominent, and readily legible;
• License number shall be displayed on the principal display panel;
• The Label should contain the name of the food with the trade name and food description;
• List of Ingredients used in the food shall be displayed on the product. The name of Ingredients shall be listed in descending order with weight and volume. Specific ingredient disclosure would require disclosing to the specific food product.
• Nutritional per 100gm or 100ml of per serving of the product should be given on the label with the amounts of protein-carbohydrate and details of fat. The nutrition information is not necessary in case of raw agriculture commodities like wheat, rice, herbs, table salt, sugar, or non-nutritive products like soluble tea, coffee, pre-packaged assorted vegetables, etc.;
• Every package of Non-Vegetarian product meat, fish, or chicken or any other non-veg product should contain declaration a symbol and color code as stipulated in regulations to indicate that the product is Non-Vegetarian Food.
• Food additives falling in the respective classes and lists of food additives permitted for use in foods should be displayed;
• Name and complete address of the manufacturer shall be disclosed. If the bottler or packer is not a manufacturer then name and address of package shall be disclosed along with the manufacturer. Further, the details of importer shall be disclosed if the food is imported into India;
• Net quantity by weight or volume or number shall be declared on every package of food;
• A production batch number or unique code number or manufacturing lot number which is a mark of identification by which the food can be traced in the manufacture and identified in the distribution, shall be given on the label.
• Manufacturing date, month, and year shall be given on the label;
• The details of best before use or due date shall be mentioned on the label.

The Manner of Declaration

Following is the manner of declaration:

• The information displayed in label shall be legible, prominent, plain and unambiguous.
• All the information should be grouped and given in one place in such manner specified under regulation.
• The height of numeral in the declaration should be 1mm to 8mm depending upon the product.

Exemptions from Labelling Requirements under FSSAI

• Package of the Surface area of packaging less than 100 square cm: No need to disclose list of ingredients, lot number or batch number, nutrition information, instruction of use.
• Package of the Surface area of package less than 30 square cm: Date of manufacture or best before date or expiry date not required to display.
• Liquid products marketed in bottles: If it’s mentioned to reuse for refilling, no need to mention the list of ingredients. Further, glass or bottle manufactured after March 19, 2009, then mention nutrition and list of ingredients.
• Product shelf-life is less more than seven days: Date of manufacture not required but need to mention best before date.

FSSAI Packaging and Labelling: Recent Update

FSSAI in its recent notification has asked all sweet shops to display expiry dates also and to use labels on their packed and loose sweets. This order has come considering the increase in sale of adulterated sweets. It is a welcome move that is set to benefit the consumers.

Conclusion

Since consumers have become aware of food safety they prefer eating and purchasing food from those having FSSAI License and those that meet the FSSAI Packaging and labelling criteria. In case you need more information on the same, consider reading our blogs.

Read our article: Implications of Non Compliance with the Provisions of FSSAI