Step-by-Step Process to Comply with FSSAI Labelling Regulations

Food labelling is more than just a legal step. It is a way to earn your customer’s trust. For every food business in India, following rules is important. One of the key rules is the FSSAI labelling regulations. These rules tell you what must be on a food package. This includes ingredients, nutrition facts, manufacturing date, expiry date, and allergen details. Correct labelling keeps customers safe and makes your brand reliable. For food business owners, knowing these rules is a must. It helps avoid mistakes and fines. In this guide, we will share a clear step-by-step process. Whether you run a small shop or a large company, these steps will help you follow the rules. You can make your products safe, build trust, and grow your business.

Why FSSAI Labelling Regulations Matter

Think of a food label as a product’s name tag. It tells customers what’s inside, how to use it, and whether it’s safe. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, sets these rules to keep people healthy. Following FSSAI labelling regulations keeps your business on the right side of the law. Plus, it makes customers feel good about picking your products. If you skip these rules, you might face fines or have your products pulled from stores. So, getting the labels right is a huge deal for anyone selling food.

Understand the Basics of FSSAI Labelling

First things first, let’s get a grip on what FSSAI labelling regulations are all about. Every food package needs certain details, like the product’s name, ingredients, and nutrition facts. Labels have to be honest and easy to read. You can’t claim something is “healthy” if it’s not true. Also, labels must be in English or Hindi, but you can add other Indian languages too if you want.

Head over to the FSSAI website and look up the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. It’s got everything you need to know. It might seem like a lot at first, but don’t worry. Breaking it down into small steps makes it super doable.

Include Mandatory Label Information

Your food packages need specific info to meet FSSAI labelling regulations. Here’s the key stuff you’ve got to include:

• Product Name: Say what it is, like “Spicy Masala Chips” or “Mango Pickle.”
• Ingredients: List everything in the product, starting with the biggest amount. Point out allergens like nuts or dairy.
• Nutrition Facts: Show calories, protein, fat, and other nutrients for each serving.
• Net Quantity: Tell the weight or volume, like 200 grams or 1 liter.
• FSSAI License Number: Add your 14-digit license number to show you’re legit.
• Manufacturer Info: Include the name and address of who made or packed it.
• Batch and Expiry: Put the batch number and “best before” or “use by” date.
• Storage Tips: Explain how to store it, like “Keep in a cool, dry place.”
• Veg/Non-Veg Symbol: Use a green dot for vegetarian or a brown dot for non-vegetarian.

Make sure all this info is correct. Mistakes can confuse customers or land you in trouble. Always check twice before you print.

Design Clear and Readable Labels

Labels need to be crystal clear. FSSAI labelling regulations are strict about readability. Use a font size that’s easy to see, especially for important stuff like allergens. For small packages, the font should be at least 1mm. For bigger ones, go for 3mm. Skip fancy fonts that are hard to read. Simple, bold text works best.

Put the main details on the front of the package where people look first. Don’t hide key info on the back or sides. Use colours that stand out, like black text on a white background. Also, make sure labels are sturdy. They shouldn’t fade or peel off during shipping or storage.

Highlight Allergens and Warnings

Food allergies are serious business. FSSAI labelling regulations say you need to clearly list allergens. Things like milk, eggs, peanuts, or wheat need to be called out. You can bold them or add a note like “Contains Milk and Nuts.” This helps folks with allergies stay safe.

Also, toss in any warnings. For example, if a product isn’t good for kids, say so. If it needs cooking before eating, make that clear. Being upfront keeps customers safe and shows you’re a brand they can trust.

Use the FSSAI Logo and License Number

The FSSAI logo and your 14-digit license number are must-haves. They show your product is safe and registered. The license number tells customers and officials your business is legit. If you’re curious about your FSSAI license track, reach out to the Fssai Registrar for help sorting it out.

Put the FSSAI logo where it’s easy to spot. It’s like a badge of quality that customers know and trust. Don’t mess with the logo’s design or colors. Grab the official version from the FSSAI website. Using it right makes your brand look solid.

Comply with Specific Product Rules

Some foods come with extra labelling rules. For example, bottled water needs details about minerals. Baby food must have feeding instructions. Cooking oils should say what kind of oil is used. Check the FSSAI guidelines for your product type to be sure. These rules make sure customers know exactly what they’re getting.

If your product is organic, add the Jaivik Bharat logo. For fortified foods, list added nutrients like vitamins. Following these specific rules keeps everything clear and meets FSSAI labelling regulations.

Avoid Misleading Claims

Honesty is the name of the game. FSSAI labelling regulations don’t let you make false promises. You can’t call a product “low sugar” unless it meets FSSAI’s standards. Stay away from vague words like “natural” or “pure” unless you can back them up. False claims can lead to fines or pulling your product from shelves.

Also, watch out for misleading pictures. A juice carton with fresh oranges on it suggests real fruit. If it’s just flavoring, say so on the label. Being clear builds trust with your customers.

Get Your Labels Reviewed

Before you print, have someone double-check your labels. Small mistakes can cause big headaches. Show your label design to an FSSAI expert or consultant. They’ll spot anything you missed. This step makes sure your labels follow all FSSAI labelling regulations. It also saves you from costly fixes later.

If you’re new to this, think about hiring a label designer. They know FSSAI rules and can make labels that look great and follow the law. Or, use FSSAI’s online tools to check your work.

Print and Apply Labels Correctly

When your labels are ready, print them on good-quality material. Labels need to hold up during shipping and storage. Use stuff that’s waterproof and won’t tear. Make sure every package gets a label, and it’s put on straight. Crooked or peeling labels look sloppy and might break FSSAI labelling regulations.

If you’re using a printing company, pick one you trust. Give them clear instructions about FSSAI rules. Check a few samples before they print everything. This keeps all your products looking sharp and consistent.

Keep Records and Stay Updated

Following the rules doesn’t stop at printing. Keep copies of your label designs and approvals. These are handy if FSSAI inspectors show up. Having records ready shows you’ve got everything under control. Also, keep an eye on FSSAI updates. Rules can change, and you need to stay in the know.

Pop onto the FSSAI website regularly to catch new guidelines. Sign up for their newsletters or follow their official pages. Staying in the loop keeps your business compliant and ahead of the pack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even little slip-ups can cause big problems. Here are some things to steer clear of:

• Missing Info: Forgetting the FSSAI license number or allergen warnings.
• Hard-to-Read Fonts: Using tiny or fancy fonts that confuse people.
• False Promises: Saying “no fat” without proof to back it up.
• Wrong Logos: Using the incorrect FSSAI or veg/non-veg symbol.
• Old Labels: Not updating labels when your recipe or rules change.

Avoid these by checking everything carefully. A bit of effort now saves you from trouble later.

Benefits of Following FSSAI Labelling Regulations

Sticking to FSSAI labelling regulations pays off in big ways. First, it wins over customers. Clear labels show you care about quality and safety. Second, it keeps you safe from legal trouble. Businesses that follow the rules avoid fines or shutdowns. Third, it makes your brand look awesome. People love buying from companies that do things right.

Plus, good labelling opens doors. It makes your business eligible for government loans or funding. It also lets you sell in more places. A proper label is like a ticket to growing your business bigger.

Final Thoughts

Following FSSAI labelling regulations is not just about law. It is about protecting customers and building trust. Clear and correct labels make your brand stronger. They help you stay safe from fines and problems. For every food business, this is an important step. Keeping labels correct and updated also shows you care about quality. By following the right steps, you can make your business reliable and successful. If you want to make this process simple, contact Fssai Registrar. Our team helps you with licensing, labelling, and all compliance steps. This lets you focus on making your food business better and growing your brand.