FSSAI Operationalizes Labelling Amendment Regulations for Blended Vegetable Oils

Through directions dated 20 February 2018, the FSSAI has operationalized the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Regulations 2018 with regard to the labeling of Blended Vegetable Oils.

FSSAI has already framed these amendment regulations and they are in the process of being notified. However, the final regulations are likely to take some time to be notified and enforced. Therefore, keeping in mind consumer interest and to ensure fair practices in the trade of blended vegetable oils, the FSSAI has decided to operationalize the amendment regulations with immediate effect. Enforcement of these regulations will begin only after their final notification in the Gazette of India.

The amendments have been made in the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.

In regulation Manner of Declaration (2.3) under sub-regulation ‘The height of numeral’ the following proviso has been substituted which is;

“Provided further that in case of label declarations required under sub-regulation 2.4.2 (Labelling of edible oils and fats) and 2.4.4 (Specific Labelling Requirements of other Products) except in case of declaration specifying instructions for use or preparation of the product, the size of numeral and letters shall not be less than 3mm.”

In regulation, Specific Requirements/ Restrictions on a manner of labeling (2.4) in sub-regulation ‘Labelling of edible oils and fats’ (2.4.2) for clause 11, the following has been substituted which is that

Every package containing an admixture of edible oils shall carry the following label declaration immediately below its brand name

Blended Edible Vegetable Oil

(Name and nature* of edible vegetable oil) ……………………..% by weight

(Name and nature* of edible vegetable oil)………………………% by weight

(*i.e. in raw or refined form)

The font size of the label declaration “Blended Edible Vegetable Oil” shall not be less than 5 mm.

There shall also be the following declaration in bold capital letters along with the name of the product on front/central panel