India’s Food Labeling Regulations: FSSAI Sets July 1 as Annual Compliance Date

Posted by Written by Archana Rao Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set July 1 as the annual enforcement date for amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has designated July 1 as the annual date for implementing changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020. In a press release dated January 15, 2025, the FSSAI confirmed that all amendments to India’s food safety regulatory framework will take effect from this fixed date each year.

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On July 6, 2024, the FSSAI approved a proposal mandating the display of nutritional information—specifically total sugar, salt, and saturated fat—in bold and larger font sizes on packaged food labels. These labeling regulations apply uniformly to both imported and domestically produced food products in India.

Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020: Key compliance requirements introduced

The Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations 2020, outline comprehensive guidelines to ensure food labels provide essential information. Key features include:

  1. General labeling requirements: A clear presentation of details like ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, and net quantity. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian products must be identified with green or red marks, respectively.
  2. Nutritional labeling: Labels must display nutritional values, including calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, and added sugars, along with percentage daily intake per serving.
  3. Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL): Critical nutritional values, such as high fat, sugar, or salt content, must be displayed prominently on the front of the package.
  4. Restaurant and online display standards: Calorific information is mandatory for menus in restaurants meeting specific turnover thresholds and online food platforms.
  5. Allergen information: Common allergens must be clearly declared.
  6. Category-specific provisions: Guidelines cover alcoholic beverages, fortified foods, organic foods, and proprietary foods are specified separately.

Compliance timeline

The FSSAI’s decision to fix July 1 as the annual enforcement date for regulatory amendments addresses key challenges faced by food business operators (FBOs), including regulatory compliance, operational adjustments, and managing pre-printed packaging materials.

This decision ensures a minimum 180-day compliance window from notification, offering FBOs a predictable timeline to adapt.

Benefits for businesses:

  • Operational efficiency: Extended use of existing packaging materials reduces waste and costs.
  • Environmental sustainability: Fewer packaging changes lower the carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices.

Benefits for consumers:

  • Enhanced transparency in food labeling: This allows consumers to make informed decisions about food safety and quality, strengthen public trust, and reaffirm FSSAI’s commitment to public health.

Summary

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The July 2024 amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020, introduced key measures to streamline compliance and enhance transparency in food labeling. By fixing July 1 as the annual enforcement date for regulatory updates, the amendment ensures consistency and predictability for manufacturers.

It also permits extended use of pre-printed packaging materials, reducing operational waste and supporting sustainability efforts. Emphasizing transparency, the updates aim to boost consumer trust and enable informed decision-making, while addressing environmental concerns by minimizing the carbon footprint from frequent packaging changes.

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