FSSAI’s Food Labelling and Packaging Regulations

The quality and safety of food products in the country one of its core responsibilities is to ensure that food items sold in the market are properly labelled and packaged helping consumers make informed choices the fssai regulation governing this aspect is the food safety and standards labelling and display regulations 2020 which provides a detailed framework for food businesses

These labelling and packaging norms are mandatory for any food business operator for holding an fssai license without this license selling packaged food in india is illegal and non-compliance with labelling norms can lead to penalties and suspension of the license these regulations are essential for ensuring transparency traceability and public health

Objectives of labelling and packaging regulations

The main purpose of these fssai regulations is to

Provide essential information about the food product to the consumer

Ensure the food is not misrepresented or adulterated

Help consumers make health-conscious and safe food choices protect consumer rights through standardised and truthful product information

All businesses that fall under the purview of these guidelines must have an fssai license it serves as official authorization that a business complies with the safety and labelling standards prescribed by fssai thus gaining consumer trust and legal legitimacy

Mandatory labelling requirements

fssai mandates specific labelling elements that must be displayed on all pre-packaged food items under the latest fssai regulations

1 Name of the food the package must clearly state the name of the food product

2 Ingredients list ingredients in descending order by weight with allergen information highlighted

3 Nutritional information energy value protein carbohydrates fats sugars sodium etc

4 Veg non-veg symbol green for vegetarian and brown for non-vegetarian content

5 Declaration of additives listed with class name and ins number

Any food business applying for an fssai license must ensure its packaging complies with these labelling guidelines during audits and inspections fssai verifies that this information is clearly and accurately displayed on all products

Front-of-pack labelling and packaging regulations

To make nutritional information more accessible fssai has introduced front-of-pack labelling norms these include highlighting calories fats sugar and salt content right on the front helping consumers quickly assess health risks this initiative is in line with global trends and strengthens the fssai regulations aimed at preventing lifestyle-related diseases

Additionally the fssai license requires businesses to adopt safe and hygienic packaging practices the use of food-grade materials proper sealing and environmentally friendly options like recyclable packaging are actively encouraged under these norms

Special packaging guidelines

Some products such as bottled water and infant food have specific labelling requirements under fssai regulations for instance packaged drinking water must include the source of water and mineral content labels for infant foods must declare age suitability and mandatory nutritional facts to protect infants health

Only those holding a valid fssai license are permitted to manufacture or sell these specialized food items violation of these rules can lead to severe penalties and cancellation of the license emphasizing the need for complete compliance

Penalties for non-compliance

Businesses that fail to follow the labelling and packaging standards as outlined in fssai regulations may face legal consequences penalties can range from 10000 to 5 lakh depending on the severity of the offence and the nature of mislabelling or misbranding

Operating without an fssai license or misusing one is a punishable offence regular inspections are conducted to ensure  complying with all legal obligations concerning safety packaging and consumer protection

Conclusion

In conclusion fssai regulations for food labelling and packaging are vital for creating a transparent safe and consumer-friendly food ecosystem in india they ensure that food products contain truthful and necessary information while safeguarding public health for any business in the food sector having an fssai license and adhering strictly to these labelling norms is not just a legal requirementits a commitment to quality safety and consumer trust

https://www.fssailicenseincoimbatore.in/