Are Your Food Packaging Labels FSSAI-Compliant?
Have you ever picked up a packet of biscuits, snacks, spices or cooking oil and noticed the information printed on its packaging? From ingredients and nutritional values to manufacturing dates and food safety declarations, every detail has an important purpose.
If you manufacture, pack, import or sell packaged food products in India, understanding FSSAI labelling requirements is extremely important. A professionally designed package is not enough. The information printed on it must also meet the applicable food safety and labelling regulations.
In this guide, we explain the important requirements of FSSAI food packaging labels in simple language, so that business owners and packaging designers can understand what needs to be checked before printing.
1. What Is FSSAI Food Label Compliance?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing food safety standards in India.
Food packaging labels provide consumers with important information about the food they are purchasing. This information helps them understand what the product contains, who is responsible for it, how much it contains, how it should be stored and when it should be consumed.
FSSAI food labelling compliance means that the information printed on a packaged food product follows the applicable requirements under the Food Safety and Standards regulations.
Is Having an FSSAI Licence Enough?
No. Having an FSSAI registration or licence does not automatically make every food package compliant.
The licence or registration identifies the relevant food business operator. The packaging must separately carry the applicable declarations and product-specific information.
For example, a business may have a valid FSSAI licence but still have problems with its packaging if the ingredient list, allergen declaration, date marking or nutritional information is incorrect or incomplete.
2. Which FSSAI Regulations Apply to Food Labels?
Food packaging requirements in India are not covered by only one rule. Businesses need to understand several regulations depending on their products and packaging arrangements.
Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. These provide the main requirements for declarations on pre-packaged food products.
Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. These address the safety and suitability of materials used for food packaging.
Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. These cover applicable declarations such as net quantity, retail sale price and consumer-care information.
Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. These govern claims made on food labels and in promotional material.
The exact requirements depend on the food category, product standards, packaging type and any applicable exemptions. Retail packages and non-retail containers can also have different requirements.
3. Complete FSSAI Food Packaging Label Checklist
Before printing any packaged food label, check the following important information. These are the major areas that food businesses should review for the applicable product category.
Name of the Food
Identify the true nature of the food clearly, including its appropriate product description.
Ingredients List
Declare ingredients in the prescribed order, generally descending by weight or volume.
Nutritional Information
Include applicable nutrition declarations such as energy, protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fats and sodium.
Veg or Non-Veg Symbol
Display the correct vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol where the requirement applies.
Allergen Declaration
Identify applicable allergenic ingredients separately using the required declaration.
Food Additives
Declare applicable additives with their functional class and specific name or INS number.
FSSAI Logo and Licence
Include the applicable FSSAI logo and registration or licence number.
Business Details
Provide the applicable brand owner, manufacturer, marketer, packer or importer details.
Net Quantity and MRP
Include the applicable quantity, retail price and consumer-care declarations.
Batch or Lot Number
Provide an identification number to support product traceability.
Date Marking
Include applicable manufacture or packaging date and expiry or use-by information.
Storage and Usage Instructions
Provide instructions where required for safe storage and proper use of the food.
Country of Origin
Declare the country of origin and applicable importer details for imported food products.
Claims and Special Logos
Verify claims such as organic, fortified, high protein or sugar-free before using them.
Readable Label Design
Ensure information is clear, prominent, legible and properly positioned.
Online Product Information
Provide applicable mandatory label information to consumers before online purchase.
This checklist is a starting point, not a substitute for checking the requirements of the particular food product and its exemptions.
4. Food Name and Ingredients Declaration
A. Name of the Food
Every packaged food product should have a name that clearly indicates the true nature of the food.
For example, if a business sells a packet of roasted masala peanuts, the product name should communicate what the food actually is.
A creative brand name can also be used, but it should not replace or misrepresent the actual identity of the food.
B. List of Ingredients
The ingredients list tells consumers what has been used to prepare the food. Under the general requirement, ingredients are listed in descending order of their composition by weight or volume at the time of manufacture.
This means the ingredient used in the largest quantity generally appears first, followed by the next ingredient.
For example, an illustrative roasted snack ingredient list might look like:
Peanuts, edible vegetable oil, salt, spices and permitted seasoning ingredients.
The actual ingredient list must be prepared using the real formulation and applicable declaration rules. Single-ingredient foods have specific exemptions.
Compound ingredients may require their own ingredient details in accordance with the applicable rules. Food additives must also be declared using their functional class and specific name or recognized INS number, where required.
Why Is This Information Important?
Ingredients allow customers to understand what they are consuming. They are particularly important for people who avoid certain foods because of allergies, dietary choices or personal preferences.
5. Nutritional Information on Food Packaging
Nutritional information helps consumers understand the nutritional composition of a food product.
It is generally presented in a structured nutrition information panel on the packaging. The exact declarations and exemptions depend on the product and applicable regulations.
Important Nutritional Values
| Nutritional Component | What It Tells Consumers |
|---|---|
| Energy | Energy provided by the food, generally expressed in kcal. |
| Protein | The amount of protein present in the product. |
| Carbohydrates | The carbohydrate content of the food. |
| Total Sugars | The total sugar content. |
| Added Sugars | Sugars added during food preparation or manufacturing. |
| Total Fat | The total fat content of the product. |
| Saturated Fat | The amount of saturated fat, where declaration applies. |
| Trans Fat | The applicable trans-fat declaration. |
| Cholesterol | Cholesterol content where required. |
| Sodium | The sodium content of the food. |
How Should Nutritional Information Be Presented?
The applicable FSSAI format provides for nutritional information per 100 g, per 100 ml or per single consumption pack, as relevant. Per-serving percentage contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance is also required where applicable.
The nutrition panel should also provide the serving size and number of servings in the package where required.
6. Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Food Symbols
One of the most recognizable declarations on Indian food packaging is the vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol.
These symbols help consumers identify the food category before purchasing. The applicable symbol must be displayed in the prescribed form and position.
Vegetarian Food
A green filled circle inside a green square outline. It identifies food classified as vegetarian under the regulations.
Non-Vegetarian Food
A brown filled triangle inside a brown square outline. It identifies food classified as non-vegetarian under the regulations.
The symbol should be displayed prominently on the principal display panel, close to the product or brand name.
The symbol's minimum dimensions depend on the area of the principal display panel. Certain product categories also have specific exemptions.
7. Food Allergen Declaration: An Important Safety Requirement
Food allergens are ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Consumers with food allergies need clear information about ingredients that may cause a reaction. Therefore, applicable allergens must be declared separately on the food label.
Important Allergens Covered by FSSAI
01. Cereals Containing Gluten
Wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt and their specified hybridized strains and products.
02. Crustaceans
Crustaceans and products made from them.
03. Milk
Milk and milk products.
04. Eggs
Eggs and egg products.
05. Fish
Fish and fish products.
06. Peanuts and Tree Nuts
Peanuts and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews. The prescribed allergen declaration is Nut.
07. Soybeans
Soybeans and their products. The prescribed allergen declaration is Soy.
08. Sulphites
Sulphites at concentrations of 10 mg/kg or more.
How Should Allergens Be Declared?
Applicable allergenic ingredients should be declared separately using the prescribed format. For example:
If an allergen may be present due to cross-contamination, a suitable precautionary statement such as "May Contain..." may be used where appropriate.
Businesses should not use precautionary allergen statements as a substitute for proper manufacturing controls or accurate ingredient information.
Raw agricultural commodities have specific exemptions from allergen labelling requirements.
8. FSSAI Logo and Licence Number on Packaging
The FSSAI logo and applicable licence number are important declarations on packaged food.
They help consumers identify the food business responsible for the product and provide regulatory identification.
Important Points to Remember
The applicable FSSAI logo and licence number must be displayed in a contrasting colour against the label background, subject to applicable exemptions.
The brand owner's FSSAI licence number must be displayed as required.
If the manufacturer, marketer, packer or bottler is different from the brand owner, the applicable additional licence number must also be displayed.
Imported food products must carry the applicable importer details and FSSAI identification.
Where Should the Business Details Appear?
The label must declare the name and complete address of the brand owner, using the appropriate qualifying description.
Marketed by: Name and complete address of the marketer.
Manufactured and Marketed by: Applicable business name and address.
Packed and Marketed by: Applicable business name and address.
For imported products, the importer name and complete address must also be provided, along with the applicable country-of-origin declaration.
Certain small packages have specific labelling exemptions. Always check the package surface area, multi-unit package requirements and applicable amendments.
9. Net Quantity, MRP and Customer Care Details
Besides food-specific declarations, packaged food labels also need applicable declarations under Legal Metrology requirements.
| Declaration | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Net Quantity | The quantity of food contained in the package, expressed in the appropriate unit. |
| MRP | Maximum Retail Price, inclusive of applicable taxes. |
| Consumer Care Details | Applicable contact details for consumer queries and complaints. |
| Unit Sale Price | Declaration where required under the applicable rules. |
Example of Net Quantity Declaration
MRP: ₹120.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes)
Consumer Care: Contact details of the responsible business.
These are illustrative examples only. Actual declarations, units, presentation and exemptions must follow the applicable Legal Metrology requirements.
10. Manufacturing Date, Expiry Date and Batch Number
Date and batch information helps consumers understand the shelf life of the product and allows businesses to identify particular production lots.
A. Date of Manufacture or Packaging
The applicable date of manufacture or packaging must be declared on the food label, subject to specific exemptions.
B. Expiry or Use-by Date
The expiry or use-by date indicates the end of the estimated period after which the product may no longer remain safe under the stated conditions.
C. Best Before Date
Best Before communicates the period during which the food is expected to retain its specified quality under the stated storage conditions.
It may be used as optional or additional information under the applicable provisions. It is not interchangeable with an expiry or use-by declaration.
D. Batch or Lot Number
A batch, lot or code number helps identify the particular production batch from which a product came. It is useful for product traceability and recall-related activities.
E. Storage Instructions
If the product requires special storage conditions for safety or quality, these instructions must be included where required.
Store in a cool and dry place.
Refrigerate after opening.
Keep away from direct sunlight.
Consume within the stated period after opening, where applicable.
The date format and declaration requirements depend on the applicable shelf-life provisions. Manufacture or packaging date and expiry or use-by information are required to be grouped together as specified.
11. Food Claims, Logos and Packaging Information
Many food packages contain promotional statements to attract customers. These may describe ingredients, nutritional benefits, quality or special product features.
However, food claims must satisfy the applicable Advertising and Claims Regulations. They should be truthful, meaningful, clear and not misleading.
Examples of Claims That Need Verification
Organic
Verify the applicable organic food requirements and permitted certification or logo use.
High Protein
Ensure the product satisfies the applicable nutritional claim criteria.
Sugar Free
Verify the applicable conditions for making the nutritional claim.
Fortified Food
Follow the applicable fortification requirements and permitted logo declarations.
A business should not use promotional statements simply because they look attractive on the package. The claim must be supported by the relevant regulatory conditions and product information.
12. FSSAI Information for Online Food Product Sales
Food products are increasingly sold through websites, online marketplaces and mobile applications.
Food labelling requirements are not limited to the physical packaging. When pre-packaged foods are sold through e-commerce or direct-selling channels, the applicable mandatory label information must be provided to consumers before purchase.
Under the general provisions, specific date and batch details such as batch or lot number, best-before, use-by, expiry and manufacturing or packaging date are treated differently from the information that must be made available before sale.
What Should Online Sellers Check?
Use clear product photographs that accurately represent the packaged food.
Make applicable ingredients and nutritional information available to customers.
Ensure allergen and vegetarian/non-vegetarian information is available wherever applicable.
Provide accurate product identity and responsible business information.
Keep online descriptions consistent with the actual product packaging.
13. Example of an FSSAI Food Packaging Label
Let's understand how different pieces of information may be arranged on a packaged snack.
Imagine a business selling a packet of roasted masala peanuts. Its packaging may contain the following sections.
Front Panel — Illustrative Layout
| Brand Name | Example Food Brand |
| Name of Food | Roasted Masala Peanuts |
| Food Category Symbol | Applicable vegetarian/non-vegetarian symbol |
| Net Quantity | 200 g |
| FSSAI Details | Applicable FSSAI logo and licence number, where required |
Back Panel — Illustrative Layout
| Ingredients | Ingredients in the prescribed order. |
| Allergen Information | Contains: Nut (Peanuts), where applicable. |
| Nutrition Information | Applicable nutritional declaration. |
| Manufacturer | Actual manufacturer name and address. |
| Batch Number | Actual production batch identification. |
| Manufacturing Date | Actual manufacture or packaging date. |
| Expiry / Use By | Applicable date declaration. |
| MRP | Applicable retail sale price. |
| Storage Instructions | Store under the stated conditions. |
| Consumer Care | Actual business contact details. |
14. How to Prepare an FSSAI-Compliant Food Label
If you are designing packaging for a new food product, follow a systematic process before sending the artwork for printing.
Identify the food category. Understand the actual food product and the relevant product-specific standards and regulations.
Collect verified product information. Gather the product name, formulation, ingredient quantities, allergens, manufacturer details and other required information.
Prepare nutritional information. Obtain appropriate nutritional data and verify the applicable declaration format.
Verify FSSAI details. Confirm the applicable registration or licence details of the brand owner and other responsible food business operators.
Prepare mandatory declarations. Arrange ingredients, allergens, date markings, batch numbers, net quantity and other applicable declarations.
Design the packaging. Arrange the information using clear typography, readable text, proper spacing and suitable label dimensions.
Check Legal Metrology declarations. Verify applicable MRP, net quantity and consumer-care requirements.
Review all claims and symbols. Verify vegetarian declarations, special logos, organic claims, nutritional claims and other applicable information.
Print and inspect a sample. Check text readability, barcode quality, colour, spacing and print accuracy.
Obtain the appropriate compliance review. Have the final label reviewed by a qualified regulatory professional before commercial printing and sale.
15. Common Mistakes in Food Packaging Labels
Even professionally designed food packaging can contain important compliance mistakes. Here are some common issues businesses should avoid.
Missing FSSAI Details
Forgetting to display the applicable logo and licence information.
Incorrect Ingredients Order
Listing ingredients without following the prescribed declaration requirements.
Missing Allergen Information
Not declaring applicable allergenic ingredients separately.
Incorrect Food Symbol
Using an incorrect vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol.
Unclear Expiry Information
Using incomplete, incorrect or difficult-to-read date declarations.
Unreadable Text
Using extremely small fonts, poor contrast or cluttered packaging layouts.
Misleading Food Claims
Making unsupported nutritional, health or product-quality claims.
Incorrect Business Details
Printing outdated addresses, wrong licence numbers or incorrect importer information.
The best way to prevent these issues is to review the actual food formulation, applicable regulations and final printed artwork before releasing a product into the market.
16. Frequently Asked Questions About FSSAI Food Labels
1. Is FSSAI registration or licensing mandatory for food businesses?
Food businesses in India must obtain the applicable FSSAI registration or licence depending on their business activity and eligibility. The relevant licensing requirements should be checked for the business.
2. Is the FSSAI logo mandatory on food packaging?
The applicable FSSAI logo and licence number are required under the labelling provisions, subject to specific exemptions and product requirements.
3. Is nutritional information mandatory on every food product?
Nutritional information is required for applicable pre-packaged foods, but the regulations provide exemptions for specified food categories. Check the exact provision for your product.
4. Do small food businesses also need proper food labels?
Yes. Small businesses must follow the applicable labelling requirements for the products they manufacture, pack or sell. The exact requirements depend on the product and business category.
5. Can I print food labels in Gujarati or another Indian language?
FSSAI requires the relevant declarations in English or Hindi in Devanagari script. Other languages may also be used, provided the additional information does not contradict the required declarations.
6. What is the difference between Best Before and Expiry Date?
Best Before relates to the period during which the product is expected to retain its specified quality. Expiry or Use By relates to the end of the estimated period after which the food may no longer remain safe and must not be sold or distributed for consumption.
7. Does a barcode replace mandatory food label information?
No. A barcode does not generally replace the mandatory declarations required on a retail food package. The required information must be provided in the prescribed manner. Specific provisions for non-retail containers are different.
8. Are FSSAI rules the only requirements for food packaging?
No. Businesses may also need to follow Legal Metrology requirements, product-specific food standards, packaging regulations and advertising and claims requirements.
9. Does FSSAI approve every food label design?
Businesses should not assume that obtaining a general FSSAI registration or licence means their artwork has been approved. The responsible food business operator must ensure compliance with the applicable requirements and obtain professional regulatory review where needed.
10. Can I use the same food label for all products?
No. Different products may have different ingredients, allergens, nutritional declarations, storage instructions, product standards and applicable exemptions. Each product label should be checked separately.
Conclusion: A Good Food Label Builds Consumer Trust
Food packaging is much more than an attractive design or a way to promote a product. It is an important communication tool between a food business and its customers.
A properly prepared food label helps consumers understand the product, its ingredients, nutritional information, allergen declarations, manufacturing details and storage instructions.
For food businesses, checking FSSAI requirements before printing can help prevent avoidable labelling mistakes, reduce packaging rework and support more transparent business operations.
Whether you manufacture snacks, spices, bakery products, packaged foods or beverages, always make sure that the final label is reviewed against the applicable food safety, packaging and Legal Metrology requirements.
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