Labeling Requirements for Food Products

The primary purpose of food labeling is to provide consumers with accurate and comprehensive nutritional information, enabling them to make informed choices about the food they consume.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the nodal agency responsible for regulating food labeling in India, ensuring compliance with food safety and labeling standards.

The minimum font size required for food labels is 8 point, as specified by the FSSAI regulations, to ensure legibility and accessibility of information for consumers.

All of the mentioned information - product name, manufacturer's address, and nutritional information - must be prominently displayed on the food label to provide consumers with essential details about the product.

Food products containing added sugar must declare the added sugar content prominently on the label, enabling consumers to make informed choices about their sugar intake.

While the ingredients list, nutritional information, and product's shelf life are mandatory declarations on the food label, the manufacturer's name is not explicitly required.

The FSSAI logo on food labels signifies that the product has been manufactured under hygienic conditions and complies with the FSSAI's food safety and labeling standards.

While trans fat content per serving, total trans fat content, and saturated fat content are mandatory declarations for food products containing trans fats, cholesterol content is not required.

The maximum permissible limit for trans fats in food products in India is 2%, as per the FSSAI regulations, to minimize the health risks associated with trans fat consumption.

While the name of the GMO, percentage of GMO content, and potential risks associated with GMOs must be declared on the food label, health benefits of GMOs are not required to be disclosed.

The 'Vegetarian' or 'Non-Vegetarian' symbol on food labels is primarily used to indicate the religious suitability of the product, catering to the dietary preferences of consumers.

While the name of the allergen, amount of the allergen, and potential risks associated with the allergen must be declared on the food label, health benefits of the allergen are not required to be disclosed.

The 'Best Before' or 'Use By' date on food labels is used to indicate the product's freshness and quality, ensuring that consumers are aware of the optimal time to consume the product.

While the name of the added color, INS number of the added color, and function of the added color must be declared on the food label, potential risks associated with the added color are not required to be disclosed.

The 'Net Quantity' declaration on food labels is used to indicate the product's weight or volume, providing consumers with information about the quantity of the product they are purchasing.