All prepackaged food products must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011, introduced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This regulation provides clear guidelines on how food products should be labeled for consumer awareness and safety.
Applicability of Food Labeling Regulations
These regulations apply to all "prepackaged" or "pre-packed" food, meaning any food placed in a sealed package and ready for sale, where the contents cannot be altered without tampering. Proper labeling is crucial for ensuring product traceability and consumer protection.
Key Labeling Requirements
Here are some of the important labeling requirements for all prepackaged food sold in India:
- Language: The label should be in English or Hindi (Devanagari script), though additional languages may also be included as needed.
- Accurate Information: The label must contain factual and clear information. False, misleading, or deceptive content is strictly prohibited to avoid confusing consumers.
- Permanent Labeling: The label should be securely attached to the product’s container and should not be easily removable.
- Ingredient List: A list of ingredients should be provided in descending order of their weight or volume at the time of manufacturing.
For accurate and efficient labeling, BT Print offers advanced labeling machines that automate the entire labeling process, ensuring precise and high-quality label application. These machines can help manufacturers meet compliance standards effortlessly.
Nutritional Information
Every food product label should also include nutritional facts. Nutritional information per 100g or 100ml (or per serving) must be provided, including details such as:
- Energy value (in kcal)
- Protein content
- Carbohydrates, with sugar amounts specified
- Fat content (in grams or milliliters)
If a product makes any health or nutrition claims, it must be validated with test data. Claims related to health or nutritional benefits are closely regulated by the FSSAI.
Industry-Specific Symbols
Food products must display symbols indicating whether they are vegetarian (green circle) or non-vegetarian (brown circle). This is mandatory and helps consumers make informed dietary choices. If the product contains only egg as a non-vegetarian ingredient, the manufacturer must declare this.
Food Additives, Colours, and Flavours
If food additives or colorants are used, they must be declared. For example, the statement "Contains permitted natural color" should appear below the ingredients list. Flavors should also be mentioned as “Contains added flavor”.
Manufacturer and Origin Information
The manufacturer's name and complete address must be displayed on the product label. For imported foods, the name and address of the importer must be included. For products sold worldwide, BT Print provides batch coding machines, MRP printing machines, and labeling solutions that make it easy to print accurate manufacturer details on products.
Net Quantity and Batch Number
Labels must clearly display the net quantity of the product, excluding packaging weight. Additionally, a lot number, batch code, or batch number is mandatory for all prepackaged food, allowing for effective traceability and product recall if necessary.
Date of Manufacture and Expiry Date
The date of manufacture, packing date, and the best-before date must be mentioned on every product. This is particularly important for items with short shelf lives, such as dairy products, bread, and packaged food.
Country of Origin (For Imported Food)
Imported food products must mention their country of origin on the label. If processing occurs in another country that significantly changes the food, that country will be listed as the origin.
Instructions for Use
Instructions for use or preparation must be included if necessary. This ensures consumers know how to correctly utilize the product, especially for items that require reconstitution or special preparation methods.
Conclusion
Complying with food labeling regulations is essential for building trust with consumers and ensuring the safe distribution of food products. Accurate labeling is also critical for maintaining traceability, managing inventory, and meeting legal standards. At BT Print, we provide a range of high-quality solutions, including batch coding machines, labeling machines, MRP printers, and laser marking machines to help manufacturers streamline their labeling and packaging processes.
By using our advanced labeling and coding machines, manufacturers can ensure that all legal requirements are met while enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of their production lines.