The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) Statutory Authority established under the Food Safety & Standards Act has announced compliance with amendments in labeling provisions. A decision regarding the timeline for the compliance of amendments in labeling provisions was taken in the 45th Food Authority Meeting.
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India makes or amends the Food Safety and Standards Regulations with the approval of the Central Government. In the 45th Meeting of the Food Authority, the following was decided for the implementation of amendments in labeling provisions.
The date of enforcement is 1st July subject to a minimum of 180 days from the date of notification for the amendments related to FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations. Also for any change in labeling specified in other FSS Regulations. In case of emergencies, the matter of implementation /enforcement may be decided on a case-to-case basis with necessary action.
Previous Regulations
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) previous regulations included prescribing the labeling requirements of pre-packaged foods. While also displaying essential information on premises where food is manufactured, processed, served, and stored. When a food product is sold through e-commerce or any other direct selling means, the mandatory requirements of the label as given in these regulations. It would be provided to the consumer through appropriate means before sale. Pre-packaged food shall not be described or presented on any label or in any labeling in a manner that is false. Misleading, or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character.
Also, contents on the label shall be clear, unambiguous, prominent, conspicuous, indelible, and readily legible by the consumer under normal conditions of purchase and use. Where a package is provided with an outside container or wrapper and such container or wrapper is displayed for retail sale. It shall also contain all the declarations that are required to appear on the package. Except where such container or wrapper itself is transparent and the declarations on the package.