🍲 Food Labeling and Packaging Regulations

This lesson builds core elective concepts in BSc Agriculture with practical applications and exam-oriented clarity.

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Food Labeling and Packaging Regulations

Food labeling is the primary means of communication between food manufacturers and consumers. Accurate and informative labels enable consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume. In India, food labeling is governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations 2020, which replaced the earlier 2011 regulations.

Mandatory Label Information

Every pre-packaged food product sold in India must display the following information on its label: the name of the food, list of ingredients in descending order of weight, net quantity, name and address of the manufacturer or packer, batch or lot number, date of manufacture, best before or use by date, and the FSSAI licence number. Vegetarian food must bear the green dot symbol within a green square, while non-vegetarian food carries the brown dot within a brown square.

Nutritional Labeling

Nutritional information must be provided per 100 grams or 100 millilitres and per serve. Mandatory nutrients to be declared include energy (kcal), protein, total carbohydrates, total sugars, added sugars, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. The regulations also introduced front-of-pack labeling recommendations to help consumers quickly identify products high in sugar, salt, or fat.

Jaivik Bharat Logo

The Jaivik Bharat logo is the national identity mark for organic food products in India, introduced by FSSAI. Only food products certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) are eligible to carry this logo. It assures consumers that the product meets the organic production standards prescribed by the government.

FSSAI Logo and Licence Number

The FSSAI logo (a stylized "f" within a triangle) must appear on all packaged food products along with the 14-digit licence or registration number. This allows traceability and enables consumers and authorities to verify the legitimacy of the food business operator.

Packaging Requirements

Food packaging materials must be food-grade, non-toxic, and must not impart any harmful substance to the food. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides specifications for packaging materials. Regulations prohibit the use of recycled plastics, newspapers, and unapproved materials for direct food contact. Claims on packaging such as "natural", "fresh", or "pure" must be substantiated and must not mislead consumers.

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Summary Cheat Sheet

Topic	Key takeaway
Main focus	Food Labeling and Packaging Regulations.
Section context	Revise this lesson with the rest of Food Safety and Standards for stronger conceptual continuity.