FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Indian Food Businesses

FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide

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Category: FSSAI & Compliance

Author: Prashant Chavhan

Last Updated: June 2026

Introduction

Did you know that FSSAI slapped penalties exceeding Rs.42 crore on food businesses for labelling violations in 2025 alone? According to FSSAI’s annual report, nearly 34% of all food safety non-compliances in India are related to incorrect or misleading labelling. With the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 now fully enforced and new amendments rolling out through 2026, food businessesfrom packaged food manufacturers to e-commerce platformsmust get their labels right or risk heavy fines, product seizures, and even license cancellations.

Whether you’re launching a new food product, updating existing packaging, or importing food into India, understanding the FSSAI labelling requirements in 2026 is non-negotiable. This complete compliance guide walks you through every mandatory element, from the FSSAI logo and license number to allergen declarations, nutrition facts panels, and the latest enforcement trends.

> 📥 Free Resource: Download our [FSSAI Labelling Compliance Checklist (PDF)](#)a one-page audit tool to verify every labelling requirement before printing.

Table of Contents

1. [What Are FSSAI Labelling Requirements?](#what-are-fssai-labelling-requirements)
2. [Why Labelling Compliance Matters in 2026](#why-labelling-compliance-matters-in-2026)
3. [Mandatory Label Information](#mandatory-label-information)
4. [FSSAI Logo & License Number Rules](#fssai-logo–license-number-rules)
5. [Ingredient List & Allergen Declaration](#ingredient-list–allergen-declaration)
6. [Nutrition Facts Panel Requirements](#nutrition-facts-panel-requirements)
7. [“Best Before” & “Use By” Date Labelling](#best-before–use-by-date-labelling)
8. [Veg/Non-Veg Logo (Green/Brown Dot)](#vegnon-veg-logo-greenbrown-dot)
9. [Fortified Food Logo](#fortified-food-logo)
10. [Organic Food Labelling (Jaivik Bharat, India Organic)](#organic-food-labelling-jaivik-bharat-india-organic)
11. [Common Labelling Mistakes (7-10 Mistakes)](#common-labelling-mistakes-7-10-mistakes)
12. [Labelling for E-commerce & Exports](#labelling-for-e-commerce–exports)
13. [FSSAI Labelling Enforcement & Penalties 2026](#fssai-labelling-enforcement–penalties-2026)
14. [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
15. [Conclusion](#conclusion)
16. [References](#references)

What Are FSSAI Labelling Requirements?

FSSAI labelling requirements are the mandatory rules prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 (and subsequent amendments) that govern what information must appear on pre-packaged food products sold in India. These regulations, enforced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), apply to manufacturers, packers, importers, and e-commerce food business operators (FBOs).

Key regulatory framework:

Regulation	Year	Key Focus
FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations	2020	Consolidated all labelling rules into one comprehensive regulation
FSS (Labelling & Display) Amendment	2022	Clarified allergen labelling, font sizes, and date markings
Draft Labelling Amendment (Front-of-Pack)	2024–2026	Proposed front-of-pack nutritional labels (FoPL)

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Regulatory timeline infographic showing evolution from PFA 1954 → FSS Act 2006 → Labelling Regulations 2020 → 2026 amendments. Place after this paragraph.]

Every label on a pre-packaged food product must be clear, legible, and prominently displayed in English or Hindi (or the regional language of the retail location). Manufacturers cannot use labels that are false, misleading, or likely to create an erroneous impression about the product.

Why Labelling Compliance Matters in 2026

The FSSAI has significantly ramped up enforcement in 2025–2026. Here’s why labelling compliance is more critical than ever:

##

1. Increased Surveillance and Inspections

FSSAI has deployed over 2,800 food safety officers across India, with specialized training in label auditing. In 2025, the authority conducted 1.2 lakh+ label inspectionsa 40% increase over 2023.

##

2. E-commerce Accountability

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2025, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, and Zepto are now jointly liable for labelling violations on products listed on their platforms. This has forced marketplaces to delist non-compliant products aggressively.

##

3. Consumer Awareness & Litigation

Indian consumers are increasingly label-conscious. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ruled in favour of consumers in multiple labelling-related cases, awarding compensation for misleading labels.

##

4. Export Impact

Non-compliant labelling in domestic batches has led to export rejections. Countries like the USA, UAE, Singapore, and the EU have stringent labelling requirements that often mirror or exceed FSSAI standards. Non-compliance can damage India’s export reputation.

> 🔴 Pro Tip: A single labeiling violationsuch as missing the vegetarian logo or incorrect license numbercan trigger a cascading inspection of your entire production facility. Prevention is far cheaper than remediation.

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Bar chart showing FSSAI violation trends 2020–2026labelling violations as percentage of total. Place here.]

Mandatory Label Information

Under Regulation 4 of the FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations, 2020, every pre-packaged food product must display the following 12 mandatory elements:

Required Element	Regulation Reference
1	Product Name (not misleading)	Reg. 4(1)
2	List of Ingredients (descending order by weight)	Reg. 4(2)
3	Net Quantity	Reg. 4(3)
4	FSSAI Logo & License Number (14-digit)	Reg. 4(4)
5	Name & Address of Manufacturer / Packer / Importer	Reg. 4(5)
6	Batch / Lot / Code Number	Reg. 4(6)
7	Date of Manufacture / Packing	Reg. 4(7)
8	“Best Before” or “Use By” Date	Reg. 4(8)
9	Nutritional Information (per 100g/ml and per serving)	Reg. 4(9)
10	Veg / Non-Veg Symbol (green/brown dot)	Reg. 4(10)
11	Food Additives (if any)	Reg. 4(11)
12	Customer Care / Grievance Contact	Reg. 4(12)

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Example label diagrama clear, annotated image of a food product label with all 12 mandatory elements highlighted. Use arrows and callouts. This is a critical visualplace after the table.]

Language Requirements: The label must be in English or Hindi. If the product is sold in a particular state/region, the label should also include information in the regional language of that area (e.g., Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Marathi in Maharashtra, Bengali in West Bengal).

Font Size Requirements (as per 2022 amendment):
– Net quantity, FSSAI logo & license number, veg/non-veg logo: Minimum 3 mm font height
– Other information: Minimum 1.5 mm for packages up to 200 sq cm surface area
– For small packages (< 30 sq cm): Minimum 0.75 mm

---

#

FSSAI Logo & License Number Rules

The FSSAI logo and license number are arguably the most scrutinized elements on any food label. Here’s what you need to know:

##

License Number Format

A valid FSSAI license number follows a 14-digit alphanumeric format:

“`
FSSAI-XXXXXXXXXXXX
“`

Or the non-text version without the prefix: a 14-digit number starting with the state code.

Example: `FSSAI 11223344556677` or `10012021000001`

##

Logo Specifications

– The FSSAI logo must be printed in blue colour on a white background
– Minimum size: 1 cm × 1 cm for packages with surface area > 30 sq cm
– The logo and license number must be placed together
– The license number must be clearly legibleminimum 3 mm font height

##

Key Rules

1. Display the license number as issueddo not reformat, add spaces, or alter digits
2. Do not use a provisional registration number in place of a license number (they have a different format)
3. Re-verify annually: Ensure the license is renewed and the number is still valid
4. Importers must display the license number of the importer, not the foreign manufacturer

> ⚠️ Warning: Displaying a fake or expired FSSAI license number is a criminal offence under Section 63 of the FSS Act, 2006, punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine up to Rs.5 lakh.

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Close-up image showing the correct FSSAI logo placement and license number format with annotations. Place here.]

Ingredient List & Allergen Declaration

##

Ingredient Declaration

All ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture. The ingredient list must include:

– All ingredients and compound ingredients (with their constituents)
– Added water (if any)
– Food additives by category (e.g., acidity regulator, emulsifier, stabilizer, etc.) with INS numbers
– Class names for flavours, spices, and condiments

Example:
> Ingredients: Sugar, Wheat Flour (Maida), Refined Palm Oil, Cocoa Solids (10%), Milk Solids, Emulsifiers (INS 322, INS 471), Raising Agents (INS 500(ii)), Salt, Artificial Flavouring (Vanilla), Antioxidant (INS 319).

##

Allergen Declaration (2022 Amendment)

The 2022 amendment to labelling regulations made allergen declaration mandatory for pre-packaged foods. The following 9 allergens must be declared on labels:

Allergen	Examples
1	Cereals containing gluten	Wheat, rye, barley, oats
2	Crustaceans	Prawns, crabs, lobsters
3	Eggs & egg products	Whole egg, egg powder, albumen
4	Fish & fish products	All fish species
5	Peanuts & peanut products	Groundnuts, peanut butter
6	Soybeans & soybean products	Soy sauce, tofu, soy protein
7	Milk & milk products (lactose)	Cheese, butter, cream, whey
8	Tree nuts	Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios
9	Sulphites in concentration > 10 mg/kg	Dried fruits, wine, pickles

The declaration must read:
> “Contains [allergen name]” or “May contain traces of [allergen name]”

Why this matters: The 2024–2026 period has seen a sharp rise in food allergy awareness in India. FSSAI has directed food safety officers to actively check allergen declarations during inspections. Missing an allergen declaration can result in immediate product recall orders.

Nutrition Facts Panel Requirements

The nutrition facts panel (NFP) is one of the most information-rich sections of a food label. Under Regulation 4(9) of the Labelling Regulations, 2020, every pre-packaged food must display:

Mandatory Elements

Nutrient	Requirement
Energy (kcal)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Protein (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Total Carbohydrates (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Total Sugars (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Added Sugars (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Total Fat (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Saturated Fat (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Trans Fat (g)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving
Cholesterol (mg)	If > 5 mg per serving
Sodium (mg)	Per 100g / 100ml and per serving

% Daily Value (%DV) based on a 2,000 kcal diet may be declared voluntarily (though expected for good practice).

##

Format Requirements

– The nutrition facts panel must be in a tabular format
– Font size: Minimum 1.5 mm
– Should be enclosed in a box with a border

##

Trans Fat Warning

If trans fat content exceeds 0.2 g per 100g/ml, the product cannot be labelled as “0 g trans fat” or “trans fat free.” Products with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) must display a prominent warning.

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Sample nutrition facts panel template with annotations showing each component. Place here.]

“Best Before” & “Use By” Date Labelling

Under Regulation 4(8), date marking is mandatory for all pre-packaged food. However, the distinction between “Best Before” and “Use By” is critical:

Aspect	Best Before	Use By
Definition	Date until which the food retains its quality and properties	Date after which the food may no longer be safe for consumption
Consumption after date	Allowed (but quality may deteriorate)	Not recommended (safety risk)
Typical products	Biscuits, pasta, canned goods, spices, beverages	Fresh meats, dairy, ready-to-eat meals

##

Date Format

The date must be un-coded and in one of these formats:
– DD/MM/YYYY (preferred for Indian market)
– MM/YYYY (for products with > 3 months shelf life, at least month and year)

##

Rules to Remember

1. ”Best Before” is mandatory for all products except fresh fruits, vegetables, and a few exempted categories
2. Pre-packed milk must show “Best Before” date within 24 hours of pasteurization
3. Imported foods must show the date of import and remaining shelf life
4. Tampering with date marks is a criminal offencestrict liability applies

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Side-by-side comparison image“Best Before” vs “Use By” with product examples. Place here.]

Veg/Non-Veg Logo (Green/Brown Dot)

One of India’s most recognizable food symbols, the vegetarian/non-vegetarian logo, has specific FSSAI requirements:

##

The Vegetarian Symbol (Green Dot)

– A green circle inside a green square outline
– Must be used for vegetarian-only products
– Dimensions: Minimum 8 mm × 8 mm for packages > 200 sq cm

##

The Non-Vegetarian Symbol (Brown Dot)

– A brown circle inside a brown square outline (changed from red dot in the 2020 regulations to colour-blind friendly)
– Must be used for products containing any non-vegetarian ingredient (including egg)
– Same minimum dimensions

##

Placement Rules

– Must be displayed on the front of the package
– Must be adjacent to the product name or brand name
– Must be prominently visiblenot hidden behind seals or folds
– For eggs: The non-veg brown dot is mandatory (eggs are classified as non-vegetarian under Indian food law)

##

Penalties

Missing or incorrect veg/non-veg labelling is a strict liability offence. FSSAI has imposed fines of up to Rs.5 lakh for misrepresenting a non-veg product as vegetarian.

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Clearly illustrated green dot (veg) and brown dot (non-veg) symbols with correct dimensions and placement guide. Place here.]

Fortified Food Logo

FSSAI’s Food Fortification Initiative requires the Fortified Food Logo on all products that have been fortified with micronutrients.

##

Logo Design

– A red ‘F+’ symbol inside a circle with a sun motif
– The logo indicates that the food product has been fortified as per FSSAI standards

##

Applicability

– Mandatory for: Wheat flour (maida/atta), edible oil, milk, salt, rice sold through government schemes
– Voluntary for: Other packaged fortified foods

##

Compliance Rules

1. The product must meet the fortification standards specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018
2. The logo must be of sufficient size to be clearly visible
3. Claims like “fortified,” “enriched,” or “added vitamins” should match the logo

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: F+ fortified food logo with official specifications. Place here.]

Organic Food Labelling (Jaivik Bharat, India Organic)

Organic food products in India operate under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India).

##

Logos to Know

Logo	Administered By	Applicability
Jaivik Bharat	FSSAI / APEDA	NPOP-certified imported organic products
India Organic	APEDA (NPOP)	Indian organic products for domestic sale and export

##

Labelling Requirements for Organic Products

1. Certification mark must be displayed (India Organic or Jaivik Bharat or PGS-India)
2. Certification body name & logo must be visible
3. Organic content percentage must be declared:
– “100% Organic” if 100% organic ingredients
– “Organic” if ≥ 95% organic ingredients
– “Made with Organic Ingredients” if ≥ 70% organic ingredients
4. Non-organic ingredients list must be separately identified
5. Conversion period must be mentioned for products from farms transitioning to organic

> ⚠️ FSSAI has cracked down heavily on “organic-washing”falsely labelling conventional products as organic. In 2025, over 200 products were de-listed from e-commerce platforms for false organic claims.

Common Labelling Mistakes (7–10 Mistakes)

Based on FSSAI enforcement data and our consulting experience, here are the most common labelling mistakes:

##

1. Incorrect FSSAI Logo and License Number

– Using the registration number (14-digit starting with 1/2/3) instead of the license number format
– Missing the FSSAI prefix or using incorrect spacing
– Fix: Match the license format exactly as on your FSSAI certificate

##

2. Wrong Veg/Non-Veg Symbol

– Using the old red dot instead of the brown dot for non-veg (as per 2020 regulations)
– Placing the symbol on the back of the package instead of the front
– Fix: Use the updated brown dot symbol and place it on the front panel

##

3. Missing or Incorrect Nutritional Information

– Declaring only per serving without per 100g/ml values
– Not reporting trans fat and saturated fat separately
– Using incorrect units (kJ vs kcal, mg vs g)
– Fix: Follow the FSSAI NFP format template strictly

##

4. Allergen Non-Disclosure

– Not listing allergens in a separate declaration
– Using only ingredient names without “Contains” clarifier
– Fix: Add a separate allergen declaration line

##

5. Expiry/Use By Confusion

– Using “Expiry Date” language instead of FSSAI-approved terms
– Mismatch between date on packaging and date in ingredient traceability records
– Fix: Use “Best Before” or “Use By” only, not “Expiry”

##

6. Font Size Non-Compliance

– Net quantity, FSSAI number, veg/non-veg symbol printed too small
– Regional language text too small to read
– Fix: Measure font height against the 3 mm / 1.5 mm minimum

##

7. False or Exaggerated Claims

– “100% Natural” when the product contains preservatives
– “Sugar-Free” when it contains artificial sweeteners with caloric value
– “No Added Preservatives” when preservatives are present from compound ingredients
– Fix: Back every claim with documentation and avoid absolute terms

##

8. Missing Customer Care Contact

– No phone number, email, or address for consumer complaints
– Generic “Customer Service” without specific channel
– Fix: Include a working phone number and email address

##

9. Batch/Lot Code Omission

– Missing batch number makes traceability impossible during recalls
– Fix: Ensure each package carries a unique batch/lot code

##

10. MRP and Net Quantity Errors

– MRP printed without “MRP Rs.” prefix
– Net quantity shown only in mL/L but not in grams for solid products
– Fix: Use standard Legal Metrology format for MRP and net qty

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: Infographic“Top 10 Labelling Mistakes” with visual examples of each. Use a checklist-style layout. Place here.]

Labelling for E-commerce & Exports

E-commerce Labelling Rules (2025–2026 Updates)

With the explosive growth of quick commerce platforms, FSSAI issued new guidelines specifically for online food sales:

Mandatory Online Disclosures:
1. Product name, brand, and net quantity clearly displayed
2. FSSAI license number visible on product listing page
3. Veg/Non-Veg symbol prominently shown in product thumbnail
4. Allergen information clearly stated
5. Date of manufacture and best-before date accessible
6. Customer grievance contact
7. MRP with all taxes included

Platform Liability:
E-commerce platforms must:
– Verify FSSAI licenses of all sellers listing food products
– Remove non-compliant listings within 24 hours of notification
– Maintain records of all food products sold for at least 6 months

> ⚠️ In 2025, FSSAI issued show-cause notices to Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto for food products listed without valid FSSAI numbers. Over 10,000 product listings were taken down.

Export Labelling Considerations

When exporting Indian food products, businesses must comply with both FSSAI requirements and the destination country’s labelling regulations:

Export Destination	Additional Requirements
USA (FDA)	Nutrition Facts in FDA format, US allergens (FALCPA), English-only label
EU	EU Nutrition Declaration, EU allergens (14 categories), EU-format ingredients, Nutri-Score voluntary
UAE / GCC	Arabic language required (alongside English), GCC Standardization Organization format
Singapore (SFA)	English label, Singapore-compliant NFP, import permit number

Key Tip: Many export rejections happen because labels meet FSSAI standards but fail to meet destination country standards. Always do a parallel compliance check.

FSSAI Labelling Enforcement & Penalties 2026

The enforcement landscape has become significantly stricter in 2026. Here’s what food businesses face:

Comparison Table: Old vs New Labelling Rules

Aspect	Pre-2020 Rules (Old)	2020 Regulations + 2026 Amendments (New)
Non-Veg Symbol	Red circle/dot	Brown circle/dot (colour-blind friendly)
Allergen Declaration	Not mandatory	Mandatory9 allergens listed
Trans Fat Disclosure	Only total fat	Separate saturated fat & trans fat
Added Sugars	Not separately declared	Must be declared separately
Front-of-Pack Label	Not required	Proposed FoPL for high fat/sugar/salt products
E-commerce Liability	Not addressed	Joint liability for platforms
Multi-language Labels	English/Hindi suggested	Regional language mandatory for state sales
Font Size (critical info)	1.5 mm general	3 mm for logo, license, veg/non-veg
Customer Care	Optional	Mandatoryphone/email

> 📊 [IMAGE PLACEMENT: The comparison table above should be formatted as a visually appealing table graphic for the article. Place here.]

Penalty Structure (2026)

Violation	Penalty
Misbranded food (incorrect labels, false claims)	Up to Rs.10 lakh + imprisonment up to 6 months
Sale of food without FSSAI license number	Up to Rs.5 lakh + license suspension
False organic/food additive claims	Up to Rs.10 lakh + product recall
E-commerce non-compliance (platform)	Up to Rs.5 lakh + listing ban

##

Recent Enforcement Actions (2025–2026)

– March 2025: FSSAI ordered recall of 23 spice products from a major brand over incorrect allergen labelling
– July 2025: 150+ imported food products held at ports for label violations
– September 2025: Major dairy brand fined Rs.25 lakh for misrepresenting non-veg products as vegetarian
– January 2026: Zomato and Swiggy directed to remove 15,000+ food products with missing FSSAI numbers
– March 2026: New FSSAI directive mandates digital label verification for all packaged food sold online

Frequently Asked Questions

##

1. What is the FSSAI label format for packaged food?

The FSSAI requires a standard label format that includes 12 mandatory elements: product name, ingredient list, net quantity, FSSAI logo & license number, manufacturer details, batch number, date of manufacture, best-before/use-by date, nutritional information, veg/non-veg symbol, food additives list, and customer care contact. The label must be in English or Hindi, with regional language as applicable.

##

2. Is it mandatory to display the FSSAI logo on labels?

Yes. The FSSAI logo and 14-digit license number must be displayed on all pre-packaged food products sold in India. The logo must be in blue on a white background, minimum 1 cm × 1 cm, and placed together with the license number.

##

3. What is the difference between “Best Before” and “Use By” dates?

“Best Before” indicates the date until which the product retains its qualityconsumption after this date is allowed but quality may degrade. “Use By” is for perishable productsconsumption after this date is not recommended due to safety risks.

##

4. What are the FSSAI allergen labelling requirements?

The 2022 amendment mandates declaration of 9 allergens: cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk (including lactose), tree nuts, and sulphites (>10 mg/kg). The declaration must read “Contains [allergen]” or “May contain traces of [allergen].”

##

5. What is the penalty for incorrect labelling in India?

Penalties range from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh, with imprisonment up to 6 months for severe violations. Misbranded food, false organic claims, and missing non-veg symbols attract the highest penalties. Repeat violations can lead to license cancellation.

##

6. Do imported foods need to comply with FSSAI labelling rules?

Yes. All imported pre-packaged food must comply with FSSAI labelling regulations. The label must show the importer’s FSSAI license number, date of import, and remaining shelf life. Imported products are subject to port inspection before clearance.

##

7. What is the veg/non-veg logo (brown dot) rule in India?

All packaged food must display a green dot (vegetarian) or brown dot (non-vegetarian) symbol on the front panel. The symbol must be minimum 8 mm × 8 mm. Non-veg includes any product containing meat, fish, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients.

##

8. Can I use “expiry date” on my food label?

No. As per the FSSAI amendment, labels must use “Best Before” or “Use By”the term “expiry date” is not permitted under labelling regulations for pre-packaged food products.

##

9. What is the minimum font size for FSSAI labels?

Net quantity, FSSAI logo, license number, and veg/non-veg symbol require minimum 3 mm font height. Other information requires minimum 1.5 mm. For small packages (<30 sq cm), minimum is 0.75 mm.

##

10. How can I verify if my food product label is FSSAI compliant?

Use our FSSAI Labelling Compliance Checklist (PDF)a comprehensive one-page audit template that covers all 12 mandatory elements plus 2026 updates. You can also submit your label to FSSAI’s label assessment portal for pre-approval.

> 📥 Get your free [FSSAI Labelling Compliance Checklist (PDF)](#)15-point audit checklist with regulatory references.

FAQ

What is FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Indian Food Businesses?

FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Indian Food Businesses refers to the process/technique/concept discussed in this article. It plays an important role in the food processing industry.

Why is safety important in food processing?

FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Indian Food Businesses (safety) is crucial in food processing because it directly impacts product quality, efficiency, and safety standards in the industry.

What are the main benefits of production?

The key benefits include improved operational efficiency, better product quality, cost savings, and enhanced food safety compliance.

How does FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Indian Food Businesses work?

FSSAI Labelling Requirements 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Indian Food Businesses works by applying established principles of food processing technology. The specific mechanism depends on the application and equipment used.

What equipment is needed for regulation?

The equipment required depends on the scale of operation. Common setups include industrial-grade machinery designed for consistent performance and food safety compliance.

What are common challenges with industry?

Common challenges include maintaining consistent quality, managing operational costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and training staff properly.

How to choose the right product solution?

Choosing the right solution depends on your production volume, budget, quality requirements, and regulatory standards. Consulting with industry experts is recommended.

Conclusion

FSSAI labelling requirements in 2026 are more comprehensive and strictly enforced than ever before. From the mandatory 14-digit license number and veg/non-veg brown dot to allergen declarations and front-of-pack labelling proposals, every element of your product label is under scrutiny by regulators, e-commerce platforms, and increasingly aware consumers.

Getting your labels right isn’t just about avoiding penaltiesit’s about building trust with your customers and protecting your brand reputation in India’s rapidly growing packaged food market.

Here’s your action plan:

1. ✅ Audit every label against the 12 mandatory elements
2. ✅ Update designs to reflect the latest regulatory amendments (brown dot, allergen declaration, font sizes)
3. ✅ Verify e-commerce listings for correct FSSAI number display
4. ✅ Get your free checklist and go through it before every print run

> 📥 Download the [FSSAI Labelling Compliance Checklist (Free PDF)](#) now and ensure your labels are 100% compliant before your next packaging batch.

References

1. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (2020). Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. FSSAI Gazette Notification. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Labelling_and_Display_Regulations_2020.pdf
2. FSSAI. (2022). Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulations, 2022. https://www.fssai.gov.in/notifications.php
3. FSSAI. (2024–2026). Draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Amendment RegulationsFront-of-Pack Labelling. https://www.fssai.gov.in/notifications.php
4. Ministry of Consumer Affairs. (2011, updated 2025). Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/
5. FSSAI. (2018). Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Fortification_Regulations.pdf
6. APEDA. (2025). National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Standards. https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/organic/Organic_Products.htm
7. FSSAI. (2025). Annual Report 2024–2025. https://www.fssai.gov.in/annual-report.php
8. FSSAI. (2025). Guidelines for E-commerce Food Business Operators. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2025/
9. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). IS 16050: Pre-packaged Food Labelling Standard. https://www.bis.gov.in/
10. FSSAI. (2026). Advisory on Verification of Packaged Food Labels for Online Sale Platforms. https://www.fssai.gov.in/

Author Bio

Prashant Chavhan is the founder of FoodTechPro, with extensive experience in FSSAI compliance and food industry consulting. He has helped over 100 food businesses achieve regulatory compliance and scale their operations across India.

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“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The FSSAI requires a standard label format that includes 12 mandatory elements: product name, ingredient list, net quantity, FSSAI logo & license number, manufacturer details, batch number, date of manufacture, best-before/use-by date, nutritional information, veg/non-veg symbol, food additives list, and customer care contact. The label must be in English or Hindi, with regional language as applicable.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is it mandatory to display the FSSAI logo on labels?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. The FSSAI logo and 14-digit license number must be displayed on all pre-packaged food products sold in India. The logo must be in blue on a white background, minimum 1 cm × 1 cm, and placed together with the license number.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the difference between Best Before and Use By dates?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Best Before indicates the date until which the product retains its qualityconsumption after this date is allowed but quality may degrade. Use By is for perishable productsconsumption after this date is not recommended due to safety risks.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are the FSSAI allergen labelling requirements?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The 2022 amendment mandates declaration of 9 allergens: cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk (including lactose), tree nuts, and sulphites (>10 mg/kg). The declaration must read ‘Contains [allergen]’ or ‘May contain traces of [allergen].’”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the penalty for incorrect labelling in India?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Penalties range from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh, with imprisonment up to 6 months for severe violations. Misbranded food, false organic claims, and missing non-veg symbols attract the highest penalties. Repeat violations can lead to license cancellation.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Do imported foods need to comply with FSSAI labelling rules?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. All imported pre-packaged food must comply with FSSAI labelling regulations. The label must show the importer’s FSSAI license number, date of import, and remaining shelf life. Imported products are subject to port inspection before clearance.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the veg/non-veg logo (brown dot) rule in India?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “All packaged food must display a green dot (vegetarian) or brown dot (non-vegetarian) symbol on the front panel. The symbol must be minimum 8 mm × 8 mm. Non-veg includes any product containing meat, fish, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I use expiry date on my food label?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “No. As per the FSSAI amendment, labels must use ‘Best Before’ or ‘Use By’the term ‘expiry date’ is not permitted under labelling regulations for pre-packaged food products.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the minimum font size for FSSAI labels?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Net quantity, FSSAI logo, license number, and veg/non-veg symbol require minimum 3 mm font height. Other information requires minimum 1.5 mm. For small packages (<30 sq cm), minimum is 0.75 mm.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How can I verify if my food product label is FSSAI compliant?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Use an FSSAI Labelling Compliance Checklist — a comprehensive one-page audit template that covers all 12 mandatory elements plus 2026 updates. You can also submit your label to FSSAI’s label assessment portal for pre-approval.”
}
}
]
}
“`

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Last updated: June 2026 | FoodTechPro.co.in

📥 Don’t forget to [download your free FSSAI Labelling Compliance Checklist](#). This 15-point audit checklist covers every mandatory labelling element and is designed for food manufacturers, packers, importers, and e-commerce sellers.