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Book Free ConsultationFSSAI food labeling requirements in India establish the legally binding packaging standards that every food business operator (FBO) must implement under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations. Designed to protect consumer health and ensure transparent commercial disclosures, compliant food packaging serves as both a marketing asset and a legal shield against regulatory seizures. FSSAI mandates that all pre-packaged foods display seven core declarations on the Principal Display Panel (PDP): standardized product name reflecting true nature, complete ingredient list sorted in descending order of incoming weight, color-coded vegetarian/non-vegetarian symbols with mandated geometric dimensions, detailed nutritional values per 100g or 100ml alongside per-serve %RDA contributions for energy, sugars, fats, and sodium, international International Numbering System (INS) codes for food additives, explicit allergen warnings for common triggers like wheat, nuts, and dairy, and prominent display of the 14-digit FSSAI license number accompanied by the official FSSAI logo.
Mandatory Declarations Checklist
Every food label in India must contain these core declarations, displayed prominently and in English or Hindi (other languages optional).
- Name of Food: Prominent and reflective of the product nature.
- Ingredient List: In descending order of weight or volume.
- Nutritional Info: Per 100g/100ml and per serve (including RDS).
- Veg/Non-Veg Logo: Specific dimensions based on the pack size.
- FSSAI Logo & License: High contrast with the background.
- Net Quantity: With appropriate unit symbols.
- Expiry/Use-By: Clear DD/MM/YY format.
Ingredient List Rules
Compound ingredients (ingredients made of multiple items) must disclose their sub-components in brackets. For example: Chocolate [Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk Solids].
Nutritional Display Standards
The table must include Energy, Protein, Carbohydrates (Total & Added Sugars), Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Sodium. Claims like “Zero Trans Fat” require specific laboratory substantiation.
FSSAI Logo Dimensions
The FSSAI logo and license number must be in close proximity. The minimum height of the numerals must be 1mm for packs under 100cm² and increase proportionally for larger packs.
Veg/Non-Veg Symbols
The green/brown symbol is the most recognized mark on Indian labels. The size of the dot and the surrounding square is strictly defined by the area of the Principal Display Panel.
Date Formats & Storage
The “Date of Manufacture” and “Best Before” date must be clear. Storage instructions like “Store in a cool, dry place” are mandatory if the product’s stability depends on it.
