Before we discuss Food Labelling, first we have to understand the definition of label. A Label is the printed information on the package/container of the product which comprises the Product Name, Company Name & Address, logo, ingredients etc. “Food Labelling” is the set of legal requirements regarding the information of a food product which is securely affixed on the container/package accompanying a food. Food Labelling has to be in compliance to the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Food Labelling serves two purposes; one to sell a food product by informing the consumer to take decision whether to purchase or not and secondly to meet the legal requirements on Product name, Brand name, information about the manufacturer/importer, Batch No, Code No. Mfg. & Exp. Date, License No, Logo, Veg & Non-Veg marks etc.
The information on the label has to be appropriately given for the convenience of the consumer. Any statement, claim, design etc., which is false or may mislead a consumer about the quality, nutrition value or quantity of a food product is strictly prohibited. Every food business operator dealing with the prepackaged food product has to follow the guidelines as per FSS (Packaging & Labelling) Regulations, 2011. Food Labelling becomes critical when people buy Infant Food Products or while they buy products to fulfill their special dietary needs or they may be looking to avoid food products with allergen ingredients in it.
The following important would give you further insight into food labeling:
1) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF LABELLING AND MANNER OF DECLARATION
2) NAME OF FOOD AND LIST OF INGREDIENTS
4) DECLARATION REGARDING VEG OR NON-VEG LOGO
5) DECLARATION REGARDING FOOD ADDITIVES
6) DATE OF MANUFACTURE OR PACKAGING AND BEST BEFORE OR USE BY DATE
7) NET QUANTITY
10) SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR LABELLING OF INFANT MILK SUBSTITUTE AND INFANT FOODS
11) SPECIFIC LABELLING REQUIREMENTS OF EDIBLE OILS AND FATS
12) SPECIFIC LABELLING REQUIREMENTS OF OTHER PRODUCTS
13) SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS ON PRODUCT LABEL
14) EXEMPTIONS FROM LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
You can also subscribe to e-course on food labelling to get the above discussed information.
Dnyaneshwar says
For non-retail food products (raw materials for food industry). – there is no need of Nutritional information, veg-Non veg logo.
FSH Team says
Hi,
As per Food Safety & Standards Act, Rules & Regulations, the labelling guidelines apply to prepackaged food products. Nutritional information is not required for a single ingredient food. The guidelines for Veg & Non-Veg logo will also apply as per the food labelling regulations.
Jayakumar says
Products like Gralic ,Onions etc are nowdays coming packed in mesh bags.Is it falls under pre packaged commodity?