FSSAI Labelling Requirements in India – Complete Compliance Guide
Every FSSAI labelling requirement in India is designed to ensure transparency, consumer safety, and informed food choices. Whether you're manufacturing packaged snacks, beverages, dairy products, or ready-to-eat meals, understanding and complying with FSSAI packaging rules is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011. Non-compliance can result in product seizure, fines up to ₹3 lakh, and removal from retail shelves and e-commerce platforms. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about FSSAI labelling and packaging compliance for your food business.
What Are the Mandatory Label Declarations for Food Products?
Under FSSAI regulations, every pre-packaged food product sold in India must carry specific mandatory information on its label. These declarations ensure consumers have complete information about the product's identity, safety, and usage.
Mandatory label declarations:
1. Name of the Food Product
The label must clearly state the name of the food product (e.g., "Chocolate Chip Cookies," "Mango Juice," "Basmati Rice"). The name should be descriptive and not misleading.
2. List of Ingredients
All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight or volume. Use the common or generic name of each ingredient (e.g., "Sugar," "Wheat Flour," "Milk Solids").
Special cases:
- Additives: List by class name and specific name or INS (International Numbering System) number (e.g., "Preservative (INS 211)" or "Colour (Tartrazine)").
- Compound Ingredients: If an ingredient itself contains sub-ingredients, list them in parentheses (e.g., "Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter)").
3. Nutritional Information
Display a nutritional information table showing values per 100g or 100ml (and optionally per serving). Mandatory nutrients include:
- Energy (in kcal and kJ)
- Protein (g)
- Total Fat (g)
- Carbohydrate (g)
- Total Sugars (g)
- Added Sugars (g) – mandatory from 2023
- Sodium (mg)
- Trans Fat (g) – if applicable
- Saturated Fat (g) – if applicable
4. FSSAI License/Registration Number
Display your 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number prominently on the label in the format: "FSSAI Lic. No. XXXXXXXXXXX" or "FSSAI Reg. No. XXXXXXXXXXX".
5. Name and Address of Manufacturer/Packer/Importer
Include the complete name and address of the food business operator responsible for manufacturing, packing, or importing the product. For imported foods, the importer's details must also be shown.
6. Net Quantity
State the net quantity of the product in metric units (grams, kilograms, milliliters, liters). The font size must be proportional to the package size.
7. Date of Manufacture and Best Before/Use By Date
- Date of Manufacture (DOM): Month and year (e.g., "Mfg: 06/2024").
- Best Before/Use By: Month and year for products with shelf life >3 months; day, month, and year for products with shelf life ≤3 months (e.g., "Best Before: 06/2025").
8. Country of Origin (for Imported Foods)
If the product is imported, the label must state "Country of Origin: [Country Name]".
9. Veg/Non-Veg Symbol
Display the appropriate symbol in a visible location (usually on the front panel):
- Vegetarian: Green circle inside a green square.
- Non-Vegetarian: Brown circle inside a brown square.
10. Allergen Declaration
If your product contains any of the 14 recognized allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame, mustard, celery, lupine, sulfites, molluscs), declare them clearly with a statement like: "Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat" or "Allergen Information: Contains peanuts."
Veg/Non-Veg and Allergen Marks – How to Display
FSSAI mandates specific symbols and declarations to help consumers make informed dietary choices:
Veg/Non-Veg Symbol Requirements
| Food Type | Symbol | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Green circle inside a green square | Front of pack, clearly visible |
| Non-Vegetarian | Brown circle inside a brown square | Front of pack, clearly visible |
Important: The symbol must be at least 3mm x 3mm in size and printed in the specified colours (green for veg, brown for non-veg). Black-and-white or other colour variations are not permitted.
Allergen Declaration Format
Allergens must be declared in one of these ways:
- Bold/Highlighted in Ingredients List: "Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Sugar, Milk Powder, Eggs, ..."
- Separate "Contains" Statement: "Contains: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy"
- "May Contain" for Cross-Contamination: "May contain traces of peanuts and tree nuts" (if manufactured in a facility that also processes these allergens)
Net Quantity and Date Marking – FSSAI Rules
FSSAI has specific rules for how net quantity and date markings must be displayed to ensure clarity and prevent consumer confusion.
Net Quantity Display Rules
- Unit: Must be in metric units (g, kg, ml, L). Imperial units (oz, lb) are not acceptable.
- Font Size: Must be proportional to the package size (e.g., at least 2mm for packages up to 50g, 3mm for 50–200g, 4mm for 200–500g, 6mm for 500g–1kg, and so on).
- Location: Should be on the principal display panel (front of pack) or in a clearly visible location.
- Drained Weight (for canned/preserved foods): If the product is in liquid (e.g., canned fruits, pickles), declare both the net weight and drained weight.
Date Marking Rules
| Shelf Life | Date Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3 months | Day, Month, Year | "Best Before: 15/09/2024" |
| > 3 months | Month, Year | "Best Before: 09/2025" |
| Perishable (≤ 30 days) | "Use By" or "Expiry Date" | "Use By: 20/06/2024" |
Batch Code/Lot Number: Every product must also carry a batch code or lot number for traceability purposes (e.g., "Batch No: A12345").
FSSAI Logo Placement – Is It Mandatory?
One common question food manufacturers ask is: Is displaying the FSSAI logo on product labels mandatory?
Answer: No, the FSSAI logo is optional. However, displaying your 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number is mandatory.
FSSAI Logo Usage Guidelines (if you choose to use it):
- The logo must be used exactly as provided by FSSAI (no alterations, colour changes, or distortions).
- Download the official FSSAI logo from the FSSAI website or FoSCoS portal.
- The logo should be placed near the FSSAI number for clarity.
- Misuse of the FSSAI logo can result in penalties.
Recommended Format:
"FSSAI Lic. No. 12345678901234" (with or without the FSSAI logo beside it).
For detailed guidance on FSSAI number display, visit our guide on FSSAI Display Board.
Why Should You Choose IndiaFilings for FSSAI Labelling Compliance?
Ensuring your food product labels comply with FSSAI packaging and labelling regulations can be complex—especially with frequent updates, allergen rules, and nutritional Labelling Requirements. IndiaFilings simplifies the process with expert-assisted support tailored to food manufacturers, packagers, and private label brands.
Our team of qualified professionals helps you design compliant labels, review all mandatory declarations, ensure correct veg/non-veg and allergen markings, and avoid penalties for non-compliance. We provide end-to-end label review, FSSAI number verification, and guidance on nutritional information formatting—so your products are shelf-ready, platform-approved, and consumer-safe. With pan-India support and deep expertise in FSSAI labelling regulations, IndiaFilings is your trusted partner for hassle-free food safety compliance.
Ready to ensure your product labels are FSSAI-compliant? Need FSSAI help? Talk to an expert today and launch your products with confidence.