India's operative general label framework is the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, as amended. A compliant pre-packaged food label ordinarily requires the food name, ingredient list, nutrition information, allergen declaration, veg/non-veg symbol, net quantity, lot/batch, date marking, responsible FBO details, FSSAI logo/licence numbers and use/storage instructions where needed, subject to exemptions and product-specific rules.
Current legal framework
Do not describe an undefined recent 'overhaul' without identifying the effective instrument. The 2020 Regulations replaced the general label provisions of the old 2011 framework and have since been amended. Packaging material safety remains under the separate 2018 Packaging Regulations.
Mandatory declarations
Requirements depend on pack size, product and channel, but commonly include true name/nature, ingredient list, additives, nutrition, allergens, veg/non-veg logo, net quantity, batch/lot, date marking, storage/use instructions and name/address of the responsible FBO. Legal Metrology declarations may also apply.
Nutrition information
Nutrition is generally expressed per 100 g, per 100 ml or per single-consumption pack as prescribed, with serving information and percentage contribution to recommended dietary allowance where applicable. Exemptions exist; use the current amended text for the product.
Ingredients and allergens
Ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight or volume at manufacture, with compound-ingredient and additive rules. Allergens must be declared as prescribed. Controls for unintended cross-contact should be based on risk, not used to excuse poor manufacturing practice.
Date and batch marking
Use the prescribed 'date of manufacture or packaging', 'expiry/use by' and/or 'best before' format as applicable. The distinction matters: food should not be sold after expiry/use-by. Batch/lot/code identification supports traceability and recall.
FSSAI numbers
Display the FSSAI logo and licence number in contrasting colour. The brand owner's number is required; if the manufacturer, marketer, packer or bottler differs, its number may also be required. Imported food must show importer information and licence details.
Claims and warnings
Health and nutrition claims must comply with the Advertising and Claims Regulations and be supported. Some products have specific warnings or statutory statements. A generic claim such as 'heart healthy' is not permitted merely because the marketing team prefers it.
Front-of-pack claim correction
The supplied draft incorrectly states that a universal colour-coded front-of-pack warning for high sugar, salt and fat is already mandatory. As of the legal verification date, do not present a proposal or consultation as operative law. Apply only the front-of-pack declarations and product-specific warnings actually notified and effective.
Retail and menu display
Retailers must preserve label integrity and should not sell expired food. Certain food-service establishments must display prescribed menu information such as calorific value, allergens and veg/non-veg identification, subject to scope and exemptions. Premises must display the licence/registration or Food Safety Display Board where specified.
Artwork approval checklist
Confirm product classification, current amendments, pack-size exemptions, Legal Metrology, imported-food rules, claims evidence, font/area requirements, licence numbers, barcode/date-code zones and language. Obtain regulatory sign-off before printing and repeat after formula, supplier or law changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is colour-coded high-fat, sugar and salt warning universally mandatory?
No such universal rule should be claimed without an effective notification. Verify the current Gazette position for the specific product.
Must labels be in both Hindi and English?
The regulation prescribes English or Hindi in Devanagari; additional languages may be used. The supplied claim that both are always mandatory is incorrect.
Can the FSSAI logo be monochrome?
It must contrast with the background; FSSAI's FAQ explains that a contrasting monochrome presentation can be acceptable.
Do online sellers have label duties?
Mandatory label information generally must be made available before sale in the manner prescribed, subject to applicable exceptions.
Official sources and legal references
These are primary starting points used for the legal verification completed on 23 July 2026. Gazette notifications prevail over convenient compilations if they conflict.
Editorial review record
| Review level | Reviewer | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial research | TargoLegal Research and Editorial Desk | Completed | 23 July 2026 |
| Independent legal/FSSAI professional | Qualified reviewer to be assigned | Professional review pending | — |
