Common Labeling Mistakes That Can Get Your Food Brand Fined in India
A beautifully designed food package can attract customers, but incorrect or incomplete label information can create serious compliance problems. Learn about common FSSAI and Legal Metrology labelling mistakes and how food businesses can avoid them.
Regulatory information reviewed: November 2026
Starting a food business in India involves much more than developing a good recipe and choosing attractive packaging. Whether you manufacture snacks, spices, biscuits, sauces, dairy products, ready-to-eat meals or other packaged foods, the information printed on your packaging plays an important role in regulatory compliance.
Food labels communicate important details to customers, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing details, dates and product quantity. They also help authorities identify the product and trace it through the supply chain.
In India, food labelling is primarily governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), particularly the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Other declarations, such as Maximum Retail Price (MRP), net quantity and consumer care details, are governed by the Legal Metrology framework.
An incorrect ingredient declaration, misleading product claim, missing mandatory information or inaccurate quantity declaration may lead to regulatory action. Depending on the nature of the violation, businesses may face penalties, corrective labelling requirements, product withdrawal or other enforcement measures.
Let's understand the most common mistakes food businesses should check before sending their packaging artwork for printing.
1. Missing Mandatory Information on Food Labels
One of the most common mistakes made by small and growing food brands is printing packaging without checking whether all applicable mandatory declarations are included.
A package may look attractive from the outside, but if important product information is missing, it may not meet the applicable FSSAI labelling requirements.
Depending on the food category, package type and applicable exemptions, the label may need to include:
- Name of the food or product.
- List of ingredients, wherever required.
- Nutritional information, wherever applicable.
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian identification.
- FSSAI logo and applicable licence number.
- Name and complete address of the brand owner.
- Manufacturer, packer or importer details, as applicable.
- Batch, lot or code identification.
- Date of manufacture or packaging and expiry/use-by information, as applicable.
- Net quantity.
- Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
- Consumer care details.
- Storage instructions and other declarations required for the particular food.
These declarations are covered under different provisions of the FSSAI Labelling and Display Regulations and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules.
Example of a common mistake
Imagine a company manufacturing packaged spicy namkeen. The front of the packet displays the brand name, product photograph and attractive promotional text. However, the back panel does not contain the required manufacturer details or applicable nutritional information.
The packaging may look complete from a marketing perspective, but missing declarations can create a compliance problem.
Prepare a product-specific label checklist before designing the packaging. Have the regulatory information reviewed separately from the visual design. Do not assume that a label used for another product can automatically be reused for a new food category.
2. Incorrect Product Name and Ingredient List
The product name and ingredient declaration should accurately represent what is inside the package. Using attractive marketing language is acceptable only when it does not mislead consumers about the actual food.
Not mentioning the true nature of the food
A brand or trade name alone may not adequately identify the product. The package must carry a name that indicates the true nature of the food on the front of the pack.
For example, if a business sells a flavoured snack made using a particular base ingredient, the product description should not create the impression that it is an entirely different food.
Listing ingredients in the wrong order
Under the FSSAI regulations, ingredients generally need to be listed in descending order of their composition by weight or volume at the time of manufacture, subject to the applicable provisions and exemptions.
This means that an ingredient used in a greater quantity should normally appear before ingredients used in smaller quantities.
Consider a packaged snack containing:
- Potato
- Edible vegetable oil
- Spices
- Salt
- Permitted food additives
The ingredient declaration should reflect the actual formulation and applicable naming requirements, rather than being arranged simply to make the product appear more attractive.
Other ingredient declaration mistakes
- Using outdated ingredient information after changing the recipe.
- Not updating the label when a new ingredient is introduced.
- Incorrectly declaring food additives or flavouring agents.
- Leaving out required information about compound ingredients.
- Using vague ingredient names where a specific declaration is required.
Certain single-ingredient foods and other specified products have exemptions from particular ingredient-list requirements. Always check the rules applicable to the actual product instead of applying one format to every package.
3. Incorrect Allergen and Nutritional Information
Ingredient and nutrition declarations are particularly important because consumers may use this information to decide whether a food is suitable for them.
Incorrect information can create both consumer safety concerns and regulatory issues.
Missing allergen declarations
Some ingredients can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. FSSAI requires specified allergen information to be declared separately in the prescribed manner.
The major allergen categories covered by the labelling regulations include:
- Cereals containing gluten: Such as wheat, rye, barley and oats, subject to specified exceptions.
- Crustaceans: Such as prawns and crabs.
- Milk and milk products.
- Eggs and egg products.
- Fish and fish products.
- Peanuts and tree nuts: Such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews.
- Soybeans and their products.
- Sulphites: At concentrations of 10 mg/kg or more.
The regulations generally require the relevant allergen to be declared separately using a statement such as "Contains" followed by the allergen name.
Where an allergen may be present because of cross-contamination, a separate "May Contain" declaration may be used where appropriate.
Incorrect nutritional information
Nutritional information is another area where food businesses sometimes make mistakes. A nutrition panel should be based on the actual product formulation and appropriate nutritional calculations or testing.
The required information generally includes:
- Energy value (kcal).
- Protein (g).
- Carbohydrates (g).
- Total sugars and added sugars (g).
- Total fat (g).
- Saturated fat (g).
- Trans fat (g), where applicable.
- Cholesterol (mg), where applicable.
- Sodium (mg).
The regulations prescribe how nutritional information is to be presented, including per 100 g or 100 ml or per single-consumption pack, along with serving-related information and percentage contribution to recommended dietary allowances where required.
Common nutritional labelling mistakes
- Copying nutritional values from another product.
- Not updating nutritional information after changing the recipe.
- Using incorrect serving sizes.
- Making high-protein or low-sugar claims without checking the applicable conditions.
- Displaying nutritional information in an unclear or inconsistent format.
Maintain an updated formulation record for each food product. Verify ingredients, allergen sources and nutrition values before approving the final label artwork. Use suitable laboratory analysis or validated calculations where required.
4. Incorrect Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Symbols
The vegetarian and non-vegetarian identification symbols are important declarations on applicable packaged food products in India.
A common mistake is using the wrong symbol, incorrect colour or poor placement on the packaging.
Vegetarian food symbol
The prescribed vegetarian identification symbol consists of a green filled circle inside a green outlined square.
Non-vegetarian food symbol
The prescribed non-vegetarian identification symbol consists of a brown filled triangle inside a brown outlined square.
The symbol should be displayed prominently on the principal display panel, close to the product name or brand name, with a suitable contrasting background.
Its minimum dimensions also depend on the area of the principal display panel.
Examples of mistakes
- Using a green vegetarian symbol on food containing an ingredient of animal origin.
- Using a brown non-vegetarian symbol incorrectly.
- Printing the symbol in the wrong colour.
- Making the symbol too small or difficult to identify.
- Placing the symbol where it is not clearly visible.
Certain food categories, including liquid milk, milk powders, honey and specified beverages, are excluded from these particular symbol requirements under the regulations.
5. Misleading Claims on Food Packaging
Food brands often use promotional statements to attract customers. Phrases such as "100% Natural", "Sugar Free", "High Protein", "Organic", "No Added Preservatives" and "Healthy Choice" may influence purchasing decisions.
However, promotional claims must be truthful and comply with the applicable FSSAI Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018.
Claims should not be false, ambiguous, deceptive or likely to create an incorrect impression about the product.
Common examples of misleading claims
| Claim on packaging | What the brand should verify |
|---|---|
| High Protein | Whether the product satisfies the applicable nutritional claim conditions. |
| Sugar Free | Whether the sugar content meets the applicable requirements for the claim. |
| No Added Sugar | Whether sugars or sugar-containing ingredients have been added directly or indirectly and whether the claim conditions are satisfied. |
| 100% Natural | Whether the wording accurately represents the product and complies with applicable claim requirements. |
| Organic | Whether the product meets the applicable organic food requirements and certification and logo conditions. |
| No Preservatives | Whether the claim is factually correct and not misleading about the product's ingredients or processing. |
For example, a food manufacturer should not advertise a product as "Sugar Free" simply because it contains less sugar than a competing product. Comparative claims and nutrient-content claims have their own requirements.
Similarly, businesses using terms such as "natural", "pure", "fresh", "traditional" or "original" in a brand or trade name should check the applicable disclaimer requirements where such names could mislead consumers about the true nature of the food.
Organic food claims must also be supported by compliance with the applicable organic food regulations. Businesses should not use certification-related logos without meeting the relevant requirements.
Every promotional statement should have a factual and regulatory basis. Check the applicable claim conditions before approving the packaging. Do not use the FSSAI logo or licence number as a promotional endorsement of a product.
6. Incorrect FSSAI Licence and Manufacturer Details
Food businesses must pay attention to the identity and licence information printed on their packaging.
A common mistake occurs when a brand owner uses the manufacturer's licence number without checking which licence numbers are required for the particular business arrangement.
FSSAI logo and licence number
The FSSAI logo and applicable licence number must be displayed on the food package in the prescribed manner.
The regulations provide for the licence number of the brand owner to be displayed. Where the manufacturer, marketer, packer or bottler is different from the brand owner, the applicable additional licence number must also be displayed.
Incorrect manufacturer or marketer address
The label should correctly identify the brand owner and the relevant business role using appropriate descriptions, such as:
- Manufactured by
- Marketed by
- Manufactured and Marketed by
- Packed and Marketed by
Imported food products also have additional requirements, including importer details and country-of-origin declarations.
Common mistakes
- Printing an incorrect or expired licence number.
- Using another company's licence number without proper verification.
- Not updating manufacturer details after changing production facilities.
- Displaying incomplete business addresses.
- Failing to include applicable importer details.
Do not treat an FSSAI licence number as a general quality certificate. It identifies the relevant licensed or registered food business and must be displayed accurately.
7. Incorrect Manufacturing Dates and Batch Numbers
Manufacturing dates, expiry information and batch identification are particularly important for food products because they support shelf-life management and product traceability.
However, businesses sometimes make mistakes when designing date fields or printing variable information on packaging.
Incorrect manufacturing or packaging date
Under the FSSAI Labelling and Display Regulations, the date of manufacture or packaging and the expiry/use-by date must generally be declared, subject to the specified exemptions.
The prescribed date format depends on the product's shelf life:
- Products with a shelf life of up to three months: The day, month and year are declared in DD/MM/YY format.
- Products with a shelf life of more than three months: The month and year are generally declared in the prescribed uncoded format. DD/MM/YY may also be used.
Where the validity of the date depends on particular storage conditions, those conditions must also be declared.
Confusing Best Before with Expiry or Use By
These expressions do not mean exactly the same thing.
| Declaration | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Best Before | Indicates the period during which the food is expected to retain its specified quality under the stated storage conditions. It may be used as additional information. |
| Expiry / Use By | Indicates the end of the estimated period after which the food may no longer remain safe or retain its expected safety attributes. Food must not be sold or distributed for human consumption after this date. |
Missing or incorrect batch numbers
Every applicable packaged food label must carry a batch number, lot number or code number. This identification helps businesses trace products through manufacturing and distribution.
If a particular production batch has a problem, proper identification helps the manufacturer determine which products are affected.
Common date and batch printing mistakes
- Printing an incorrect manufacturing date.
- Using an incorrect expiry date.
- Printing the same batch number on unrelated production batches.
- Using unclear or smudged date codes.
- Placing date information where it becomes hidden by packaging folds or seals.
- Failing to update variable data for a new production run.
Use a controlled printing process for manufacturing dates, expiry information and batch numbers. Verify the first printed package of every production run and periodically inspect printed codes during production.
8. Incorrect MRP and Net Quantity Information
Apart from FSSAI requirements, packaged food products must also comply with applicable Legal Metrology requirements.
These requirements are intended to ensure that consumers receive clear and accurate information about the quantity and price of packaged commodities.
Incorrect net quantity
Net quantity refers to the actual quantity of the food contained in the package, expressed in the appropriate standard unit of weight, measure or number.
For example, if a business sells a food product in a 200 g retail pack, the quantity declaration must accurately represent the net quantity of the product.
Printing the wrong quantity or using an incorrect unit can create a Legal Metrology compliance issue.
Incorrect Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
The MRP declaration must be made in the prescribed manner and should include all taxes.
Businesses should check that the price printed on the package is accurate and that any permitted price revisions are handled in accordance with applicable requirements.
Missing consumer care information
Applicable packaged commodity declarations also include consumer care details. These help buyers contact the responsible business when they have questions, complaints or concerns about a product.
Other quantity and price mistakes
- Printing MRP without including all taxes.
- Printing 500 g when the actual net quantity is different.
- Using incorrect measurement units.
- Missing applicable unit sale price declarations.
- Leaving out required consumer care information.
- Not providing required declarations on outer retail packages or individual packs within combination packages.
Food labels must be checked against both the applicable FSSAI requirements and Legal Metrology rules. A label that satisfies one set of requirements may still have missing declarations under the other.
9. Poor Printing Quality and Unreadable Labels
Including all the required information is not enough if customers cannot read it properly.
FSSAI regulations require label information to be clear, unambiguous, prominent, conspicuous, indelible and readily legible under normal conditions of purchase and use.
This means that the presentation and printing quality of the label are also important.
Common printing and design mistakes
- Using extremely small text for important declarations.
- Choosing text colours that do not contrast with the background.
- Printing important information over decorative graphics.
- Allowing product folds or sealing areas to cover declarations.
- Using low-resolution artwork that makes text unclear.
- Using ink that smudges or fades during normal handling.
- Applying labels in a way that allows them to become separated from the package.
Language requirements
The prescribed declarations under the FSSAI regulations must be in English or Hindi in Devanagari script. Additional languages may also be used, provided that they do not contradict the required information.
Businesses selling products across different Indian states should therefore check their language presentation carefully.
Review the actual printed package, not just the computer artwork. Print a physical sample and check the text size, contrast, alignment, legibility and position of every important declaration.
10. Barcode and Variable-Data Printing Mistakes
Barcode printing is an important part of modern food packaging, particularly for businesses supplying supermarkets, distributors, retail chains and online marketplaces.
Although a standard retail barcode is not a substitute for mandatory FSSAI declarations, incorrect barcode printing can create operational and distribution problems.
Common barcode mistakes
- Printing a barcode with insufficient clarity.
- Stretching or distorting the barcode during label design.
- Using incorrect barcode data.
- Placing the barcode on a curved or difficult-to-scan area.
- Printing the barcode too close to package edges or folds.
- Failing to test barcode readability before mass production.
Barcode and batch number are different
One important point that food manufacturers should understand is that a barcode and a batch number serve different purposes.
| Barcode | Batch / Lot Number |
|---|---|
| Helps identify a product for retail and inventory operations. | Identifies a particular manufacturing or production batch. |
| May be required by retail customers or distribution channels. | Required on applicable packaged food labels under FSSAI regulations. |
| Generally remains the same for the same product and pack configuration. | Changes according to the relevant production batch or lot. |
A barcode should therefore never be treated as a replacement for the required batch or lot identification.
How label printing software can help
Businesses printing large quantities of food labels can benefit from dedicated barcode and label printing software.
Such software can help with:
- Creating consistent label templates.
- Maintaining standard product information.
- Printing barcodes in the required format.
- Updating batch numbers and production dates.
- Reducing repetitive manual data-entry errors.
- Maintaining a consistent layout across different product sizes.
However, printing software does not automatically guarantee regulatory compliance. The information entered into the system must still be accurate and reviewed against the applicable requirements.
11. Incorrect Food Label Information on Online Listings
Today, many food businesses sell through their own websites, e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces.
An often-overlooked mistake is displaying product information online that does not match the actual package.
For example:
- The website displays an old ingredient list.
- The online nutrition panel does not match the current formulation.
- The product description claims that an ingredient is absent when it is actually present.
- The product photograph shows outdated packaging.
- The online product description contains misleading health or nutrition claims.
Under the FSSAI Labelling and Display Regulations, mandatory label information must generally be provided to consumers through appropriate means before an online or direct sale.
There are specific exceptions, including batch or lot number and certain manufacturing and date-marking information.
Whenever a product formulation or packaging label is updated, review the product information on the company's website and online marketplaces as well. The online description should not contradict the information on the actual product.
12. What Penalties Can Food Businesses Face for Labelling Mistakes in India?
The consequences of incorrect food labelling depend on the type of violation, the applicable legal provision and the circumstances of the case.
Two important legal frameworks are the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
A. Penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Section 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act deals with misbranded food.
A person manufacturing, storing, selling, distributing or importing misbranded food for human consumption may be liable to a penalty of up to ₹3 lakh.
The Adjudicating Officer may also direct the business to take corrective action or order the destruction of the food.
Section 53 deals with misleading advertisements. A person who publishes or participates in publishing an advertisement that falsely describes food or is likely to mislead consumers about its nature, substance or quality may face a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh.
B. Penalties under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
Legal Metrology also covers incorrect declarations on pre-packaged commodities, including applicable quantity and price information.
Section 36 was amended under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, with the relevant changes taking effect on 1 May 2026.
| Legal provision | Violation | Potential consequence under the current provision |
|---|---|---|
| FSS Act, Section 52 | Misbranded food | Penalty up to ₹3 lakh, with possible corrective action or destruction of the food. |
| FSS Act, Section 53 | Misleading advertisement | Penalty up to ₹10 lakh. |
| Legal Metrology Act, Section 36(1) | Non-standard package declarations | First contravention: improvement notice. Second offence: penalty up to ₹5 lakh. Subsequent offences: ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh. |
| Legal Metrology Act, Section 36(2) | Prescribed errors in net quantity | First offence: ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh. Second offence: up to ₹5 lakh. Third or subsequent offence: up to ₹50 lakh or imprisonment up to one year, or both. |
These are statutory penalty provisions, not automatic fines for every printing error. The applicable section, classification of the violation, offence history and enforcement process matter. A missing declaration, an inaccurate quantity and a misleading product claim may be dealt with under different provisions.
Upcoming FSSAI labelling amendment in 2027
Food businesses should also be aware of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2026, notified on 24 March 2026.
These amendments are scheduled to come into force on 1 July 2027. They include changes relating to certain nutritional information exemptions, logos on small packages and labelling requirements for non-retail food containers.
Businesses planning new packaging designs should keep this upcoming effective date in mind and review the applicable notification before making future changes.
13. Food Label Compliance Checklist Before Printing
One of the easiest ways to reduce avoidable labelling mistakes is to introduce a proper review process before approving packaging artwork.
The following checklist can help food manufacturers, packaging teams and brand owners review their labels.
Pre-printing label verification checklist
- Correct product name is displayed on the front of the package.
- Ingredient list matches the actual product formulation.
- Ingredients are listed in the correct order, where required.
- Applicable allergen declarations are included.
- Nutritional information is accurate and properly presented, where required.
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol is correct, where applicable.
- FSSAI logo and relevant licence numbers are correct.
- Brand owner and manufacturer details are accurate.
- Applicable importer and country-of-origin information is included.
- Batch or lot identification field is available.
- Manufacturing/packaging and expiry/use-by information is correctly handled.
- MRP and net quantity are correct.
- Consumer care information is included.
- Storage instructions and special declarations are checked.
- All printed text is readable and properly positioned.
- Barcode is tested for readability, where used.
- Online product information matches the final approved packaging.
Recommended workflow for food businesses
Instead of approving a label immediately after designing it, follow a simple sequence:
- Prepare product information: Collect the latest formulation, ingredient details, nutritional information, allergen information and business details.
- Review regulatory requirements: Identify the declarations applicable to the specific product and packaging format.
- Prepare the artwork: Arrange the information in a clear and readable format.
- Verify the artwork: Check every declaration against the approved product information.
- Print a sample: Inspect a physical label or package before approving mass production.
- Maintain updated records: Keep the approved artwork and product information for future reference.
14. How Barcode and Label Printing Software Can Help Reduce Printing Errors
For food manufacturers that regularly print product labels, managing different label formats and variable information manually can become difficult.
Dedicated barcode and label printing software can make the process more organised and consistent.
Benefits for food manufacturers
- Standardised label templates: Maintain a consistent design across different product sizes and packaging formats.
- Accurate barcode generation: Create and print the required barcode formats for retail and inventory operations.
- Variable data printing: Update batch numbers, manufacturing dates and other production-related information for different runs.
- Reduced manual errors: Use saved product information instead of repeatedly entering the same details.
- Improved printing consistency: Maintain alignment, dimensions and formatting across repeated print jobs.
- Faster production: Simplify repetitive label printing for businesses handling multiple products.
Food brands should select a printing solution that supports their actual packaging requirements, printers and barcode formats.
Label printing software helps with the accuracy and consistency of printing, but it cannot independently determine whether a product formulation, allergen declaration, nutritional claim or legal statement is compliant. Regulatory review remains essential.
Conclusion
Food labelling is an important responsibility for every packaged food business in India. A label is not simply a marketing element; it provides consumers with essential information about the product and helps ensure transparency throughout the food supply chain.
Mistakes such as missing mandatory declarations, incorrect ingredient lists, inaccurate nutritional information, wrong vegetarian symbols, misleading claims, incorrect dates and quantity declarations can create avoidable compliance risks.
The best approach is to make label verification a regular part of the packaging process. Businesses should maintain updated product records, check applicable FSSAI and Legal Metrology requirements, review their artwork carefully and verify the actual printed package before mass production.
A properly designed and accurately printed food label protects more than the business from potential regulatory problems. It also helps build consumer confidence and strengthens the credibility of the food brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is FSSAI labelling mandatory for all packaged food products in India?
Pre-packaged foods generally need to comply with the applicable FSSAI Labelling and Display Regulations. However, certain products and package sizes have specific exemptions. Requirements depend on the food category, packaging type and applicable provisions.
2. What is the penalty for incorrect food labelling in India?
The penalty depends on the nature of the violation. Under Section 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, misbranded food may attract a penalty of up to ₹3 lakh. Misleading advertisements may attract a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh under Section 53. Legal Metrology violations have separate provisions and penalties.
3. Is an FSSAI licence number required on food packaging?
The FSSAI logo and applicable licence number are generally required on packaged food labels. Certain small-package exemptions apply, and relevant information may need to be provided on multi-unit packaging.
4. What is the difference between Best Before and Expiry Date?
Best Before indicates the period during which food is expected to retain its specified quality under stated storage conditions. Expiry or Use By indicates the end of the estimated period after which the product may no longer be safe or retain its expected safety attributes. These declarations should not be treated as interchangeable.
5. Is a barcode mandatory on every packaged food product in India?
A standard retail barcode is not a substitute for the mandatory batch or lot declaration. Whether a barcode is required may depend on retail, distribution, customer or marketplace requirements. Businesses should check the applicable requirements for their sales channels.
6. Can I use regional languages on my food packaging?
Yes. The required FSSAI declarations must be provided in English or Hindi in Devanagari script. Additional languages may also be used, provided they do not contradict the required information.
7. Do I need to change my food label when the product formulation changes?
You should review the packaging whenever the formulation changes. Ingredients, allergen declarations, nutritional information and applicable claims may need updating to accurately reflect the new product.
8. Can I use the same food label design for all my products?
You can maintain a common brand design and layout, but the product-specific information must be accurate for each food. Different food categories may also have different declarations, exemptions and regulatory requirements.
Official Regulations and References
The following government resources can help food businesses understand the applicable requirements:
- FSSAI – Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020 (Compendium)
- FSSAI – Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Legal Metrology Act, 2009 – Updated text
- Department of Consumer Affairs – Mandatory declarations on outer retail packages
- FSSAI – First Amendment Regulations, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes. It is not legal advice or a substitute for a product-specific compliance assessment. Food labelling requirements may vary according to the product category, packaging format, exemptions and subsequent amendments. Businesses should consult the latest applicable regulations and qualified compliance professionals before approving packaging for commercial sale.