—FSSAI
FSSAI Labelling Rules: What Must Appear on Packaged Food Labels
What the FSSAI labelling regulations require on every packaged food label — from the FSSAI number and veg mark to ingredients, allergens and dates.
If you sell packaged food in India, the label isn't just marketing. The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 set out what every label has to show, and products with missing or wrong labels can be stopped from sale. This guide covers the main requirements, so you can check your packaging before it goes to print.
What Every Label Must Show
Name of the food
The label must show the true name of the food, which describes what it actually is. A brand or fancy name can appear too, but it can't replace the real name.
List of ingredients
Ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture. Where a product highlights an ingredient, such as "made with real fruit", its percentage usually has to be stated.
Nutritional information
Most packaged foods must show nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml, and often per serve, including energy, protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat and other required nutrients.
Veg or non-veg mark
Vegetarian food carries a green symbol, and non-vegetarian food a brown symbol, displayed prominently on the front of the pack.
Food additives
Additives must be declared by their class and name or number, for example "Preservative (211)".
Name and address
The name and complete address of the manufacturer, packer or marketer must be shown. Imported food must also show the name and address of the importer in India.
FSSAI logo and number
The FSSAI logo and the 14-digit licence or registration number must appear on the label. Where the brand owner and manufacturer are different, both numbers may need to be shown.
Net quantity
The net quantity must be declared by weight or volume. This also falls under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, which have their own requirements for how it's shown.
Lot or batch number
A lot, code or batch number lets the product be traced if there's a problem.
Dates
The label must show the date of manufacture or packing, and a "use by" or "best before" date, depending on the type of food.
Country of origin
Imported food must show the country of origin.
Instructions for use
Where needed, the label should explain how to prepare or use the food.
Allergens
Ingredients known to cause allergies, such as gluten-containing cereals, crustaceans, milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and sulphites above a set level, must be declared clearly. Many businesses also add "may contain" warnings where there's a risk of cross-contamination.
Claims on the Label
Claims such as "natural", "fresh", "pure", "sugar-free" or "high protein" are regulated. Health and nutrition claims have to meet the conditions in FSSAI's advertising and claims regulations, and many terms can only be used if the product meets specific criteria. Avoid claims you can't back up.
Size and Legibility
Labels must be clear, prominent and legible, in English or Hindi, and the regulations set minimum sizes for some declarations. Very small packs have some exemptions, but the core information still has to appear somewhere.
Common Labelling Mistakes
- Using only a brand name, with no true name of the food.
- Missing or incorrect veg or non-veg symbols.
- Ingredients out of order, or additives not declared properly.
- Leaving out allergen declarations.
- Using an old or wrong FSSAI number after a licence change.
- Making health or "natural" claims that don't meet the rules.
A Checklist Before You Print
- Confirm the true name and the full ingredients list.
- Prepare nutritional information from testing or reliable data.
- Add the veg or non-veg symbol, allergens and additives.
- Check the name, address and FSSAI number.
- Include net quantity, batch number and dates.
- Review every claim against the regulations.
Getting Help
Think Filing helps food businesses get their FSSAI registration or licence and review labels before they go to print.
Sources
- Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
- Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
- Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.