The net quantity of contents is the statement on the label which provides the actual amount of food in the container.
From the net quantity mentioned on the label of the food product, the buyer can assess that for purchasing the particular quantity, how much he has to pocket out and he can also compare the quantity and the price of the similar product of different manufacturers.
Though as per food laws FSS (Packaging and labelling) Regulation, 2011, it is not mandatory to mention the minimum retail price of the product, but the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, makes its mandatory to mention the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) as well as the net weight of the food product along with guidelines that specific food commodities like biscuits, bread, tea, cereals and pulses etc. are to be packed and sold in recommended standard packages. The Food business Operator has also to follow the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, in this regard.
The declared quantity on a package should be accurate and it should not be less than the declared quantity, otherwise it will make the food product misbranded which attracts penalty. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 2011 notified by FSSAI requires that:
(i) Net quantity by weight or volume or number has to be declared on every package of food;
(ii) If a food is packed in a liquid medium, then the net quantity along with the drained weight of the food shall be mentioned on the label.
(iii) In case of a package contains a large number of small items of confectionery and each wrapped separately, where it is not possible to exclude the weight of the wrappers, in this case the net weight may also include the weight of the wrapper.
The accurate amount of contents or weight have to be mentioned on the food label, else the food product would be treated as misbranded and liable to be penalised under the regulations.
PS – This is the module 8 of the 15 modules free e-course on food labeling in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act. A manufacturer or food business operator also has to follow guidelines in mentioning Batch, Lot & Code number on the lable for investigating matters, we will discuss this in the next module.
Once you register and subscribe to the course, we will send you the first module on the third day from the registration and the subsequent modules will be sent in the similar pattern i.e. with a gap of two days.
Frank says
When printing the weight unit measurements on food packaging, does it have to be in lower case (vs. upper case)?
For example, which one is correct 25 LBS. or 25 lbs.?
FSH Team says
In India, MKS system is being followed i.e. Gram (g) & KG (Kilo Gram) is being used while stating weight units. Weights & Measures regulations apply as per the country of origin or the country where you want to export.
Melbin Babu says
It’s not about the unit, the question is whether to use lower case or upper case for units. Which is correct and pls provide the requirement? 500 g or 500 G
Boobal says
500g is right
kamlesh B singh says
How to write net quantity on carton for epoxy adhesive, When carton contains resin & hardener as a two component with different weight
Melbin Babu says
Can you please share the document specifying that there is a requirement of a space between the net quantity and its unit (For eg: 500 g-a space is there in between 500 and g, is there any legal issues when no space is given)?
Ridham says
Which one is correct to declare on food package- Net weight or Net quantity?
Subhajit Paul says
Net weight need to be pre-printed in the laminate or it can be done in coding. Moreover the notification is required where it is mentioned.