What are the Critical Prerequisites needed to be displayed on a Retail Food label as per FSSAI ? Who monitors or penalises wrong label ?

What's the first thing exhibited when buying a product from the supermarket ? Its reading the label, so being in the Food industry as a food assessor advocates critical importance on Labelling awareness to Consumers.

Organil Services supports Food safety and divulging an important topic that affects all of us who buy or sell packaged food products in India: the food labelling requirements as per FSSAI.

Food labelling is a great way to inform consumers about the nutritional value, ingredients, and origin of the products they buy. Food labels can help people make healthier choices, avoid allergens, and support local producers. Food labelling also promotes transparency and accountability in the food industry, ensuring that the quality and safety standards are met.

FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which is the apex body responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety and quality of food products in the country. FSSAI has issued various regulations and guidelines on how food products should be labelled, packaged and displayed, to provide accurate and reliable information to consumers and prevent any misleading or fraudulent claims.-

One of the most critical aspects of food labelling is the display of pre-requisites, which are the essential information that must be declared on every food package. These include:

- The name of the food product

- The list of ingredients in descending order of their weight or volume

- The nutritional information per 100 g or 100 ml or per serving

- The net quantity of the food product

- The date of manufacture or packing and the best before or use by date

- The batch number or lot number or code number

- The name and address of the manufacturer or packer or importer or marketer

- The country of origin for imported food products

- The FSSAI logo and license number

- The green or brown dot indicating whether the product is vegetarian or non-vegetarian

- Any statutory warning or advisory as applicable, such as "Contains artificial sweeteners" or "Not recommended for children"

These prerequisites are mandatory for all food products and failing to display these prerequisites' can result in legal action by FSSAI, such as seizure, recall, penalty, prosecution or cancellation of license.

The responsibility of ensuring that the food labels comply with FSSAI regulations lies with the food business operators (FBOs), who are the manufacturers, packers, importers or marketers of the food products. They also have to ensure that their labels are updated as per any changes in the regulations or guidelines issued by FSSAI from time to time.

The role of monitoring the implementation of the labelling mandates is shared by FSSAI and the state food safety authorities, who conduct regular inspections and audits of the food products in the market. They also respond to any complaints or grievances from consumers or other stakeholders regarding any violation or non-compliance of the labelling requirements.

As consumers, we also have a duty to be aware and informed about the food labels and what they mean. We should always check the pre-requisites before buying any food product, and verify that they are authentic and accurate. We should also report any discrepancy or anomaly that we find in the food labels to FSSAI or the state food safety authorities, through their online portal, helpline number or email address.

The Mandates of Labelling is first follow compliance to the respective country Food Standards and then only other food certification standards or Private standard guidelines which are approved by the Third party certification bodies.

Food labelling is not only a legal obligation, but also a moral one. It is a way of ensuring transparency, accountability and trust between the FBOs and the consumers. It is also a way of empowering consumers to make informed and healthy choices about their food consumption. By following and enforcing the FSSAI labelling requirements, we can all contribute to a safer and better food system in India.

Anil M V, Founder, Organil Services

Organil Services are Registered for Organic Regulatory Certification Consultancy and Accreditation Services in the Industry. WhatsApp for a Prepaid Consultancy +91 8606551335 or Email : orgnil40@gmail.com.