FSSAI License Regulations on Food Packaging 

New FSSAI Packaging Guidelines

Purposes of Updated FSSAI Packaging Guidelines

• Effective packaging further ensures that the sensory attributes or composition of the food remain unchanged during the packaging process.
• The significance of packaging lies in its crucial role in enhancing food safety, prolonging shelf life, and consequently contributing to improved food security.

General Requirements for Pre-Packaged Foods

• In cases where a food product is sold through e-commerce or other direct selling methods, consumers must be provided with the mandatory label requirements outlined in these regulations before the sale, excluding specific details such as batch number, best before date, use by date, expiry date, and date of manufacturing/packing.
• Descriptions or presentations of pre-packaged food on labels must avoid any false, misleading, or deceptive elements that could create an erroneous impression about its character.
• While labels may include written, printed, or graphic information, they should not conflict with the stipulations outlined in these regulations.
• Declarations required under these regulations on the label should be in either English or Hindi in the Devnagri script. However, additional languages are permitted, provided they do not contradict the information in English or Hindi.
• Labels on pre-packaged foods should be affixed securely to prevent separation from the container.
• The contents on the label must be clear, unambiguous, and easily legible under normal conditions of purchase and use. It should be prominent, conspicuous, and indelible for consumer convenience.
• In cases where a package includes an outside container or wrapper displayed for retail sale, it must contain all required declarations. An exception is made if the container or wrapper is transparent, allowing easy readability of declarations on the package.

Labelling Requirements for FSSAI Packaged Foods

Name of Food

• The front of every food package should prominently display the name of the food, reflecting its true nature.
• In cases where a food is specified by essential composition under Food Safety and Standards Regulations, the provided name must be used to establish its identity.
• In the absence of a specified name, a common or usual name or an accompanying description of the true nature of the food is acceptable.
• Additionally, the use of "coined," "fanciful," "brand," or "trade name" is allowed, provided it complies with the Food Safety & Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulation 2018.

List of Ingredients: Nutritional Information

• A comprehensive list of ingredients must be provided, along with nutritional information.
• Declaration regarding whether the product is vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
• A clear indication of the presence of food additives.

FSSAI Logo and License Number

• The FSSAI logo and license number are included for authenticity.

• The label should specify the net quantity of the product.
• Retail sale price information to guide consumers in making purchasing decisions.
• Consumer care details for any inquiries or concerns.
• Lot/Code/Batch Identification and Date Marking
• Each package must carry a unique identification code, batch, or lot number for traceability.
• Clear date marking to indicate the date of manufacturing or packing.

Labelling of Imported FSSAI Foods

• For imported foods, the country of origin must be clearly mentioned.
• Instructions for use should be provided to guide consumers in handling and consuming the product.
• Declaration Regarding Food Allergens
• A declaration regarding common food allergens to alert consumers with allergies.
• Compliance with these detailed labelling requirements ensures transparency and contributes to packaged foods' overall safety and quality assurance.

Principal Display Panel

• All FSSAI-required information should be on the principal display panel.

• Grouping all details.
• Separating pre-printed and online/non-pre-printed information.

• Size criteria based on the package's shape:
• Rectangular packages: 40% of height and width.
• Cylindrical, round, oval packages: 40% of height and average circumference.
• Other shapes: 20% of the total surface area.
• Packages of 10 cubic centimetres or less may use a card or tape as the display panel.

Mandatory Declarations: Clear Information on Ingredients and Additives

• FSSAI regulations stress the importance of transparently communicating packaged food composition. Key aspects of mandatory declarations include:

• Foods with Schedule II listed ingredients/additives must display this information prominently.
• Numerals and letters for these declarations should be at least 3mm (except for small packages up to 30 cm2).

• For small packages with a surface area of up to 30cm2 containing sweeteners, numerals and letters should be at least 1mm.

• The Food Authority can modify, delete, or add ingredients, additives, and declarations.
• These declarations empower consumers with clear information, ensuring visibility and readability for an informed consumer base.

• Recognizing diverse packaging sizes, FSSAI offers exemptions for certain labelling requirements when a package's surface area is 100 square centimetres or less. Key points include:

• Packages with a surface area of up to 100 square centimetres are exempt from specific labelling requirements.

• Exemptions include ingredients, lot/batch numbers, nutritional information, irradiated food labelling, food additives declaration, license number/logo, importer's name/address, and instructions for use.

• Though exempted individually, the required information must be provided on multi-unit packages.
• These exemptions recognize practical challenges for small packages, balancing regulatory compliance with packaging practicality. Manufacturers should know these exemptions to ensure the necessary information is on multi-unit packaging for transparency and consumer awareness.

Labelling Requirements for Non-Retail Containers 

• Name of the Food: Clearly mention the name.
• Net Quantity: Specify the quantity.

• Date Marking: Provide the date.
• Lot Number: Include a lot number.
• Manufacturer/Packer Details: Include name and address, and for imported packages, country of origin.

• List of Ingredients
• Declaration of Veg or Non-Veg
• Nutritional Information
• Exempted if in Barcode/GTIN:
• Certain details can be in Barcode/GTIN, including:
• Brand Owner's Address
• License Number (if different from the brand owner)

• Every non-retail package must clearly state: "NOT FOR RETAIL SALE."

Labelling of Food Additives 

Additional Information on Label

Other Mandatory Declarations:

• Mark packages with "FOR USE IN FOOD."
• For mixtures of flavourings, use a common expression like "flavour" or "flavouring," qualified as "natural," "nature-identical," "artificial," or a combination. The qualifier doesn't apply to flavour modifiers.

• Superseding Provisions: These regulations supersede any conflicting labelling requirements in regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

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RENU SURESH Expert

Updated on: September 13th, 2024