The Regulator: Who Sets the Rules?
In India, the primary body responsible for setting standards for food is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This organisation governs how food is manufactured, stored, sold, and labelled. When it comes to additives—substances added
for technological purposes like preservation, colouring, or stabilization—FSSAI maintains a strict framework. It operates on a 'positive list' system: only additives specifically listed in its regulations are permitted for use, and often only in certain food categories and up to a maximum level. If an additive is not on this list, it cannot be legally used in food products sold in the country.
Start with the Label: Decoding INS Numbers
Your first step is to examine the product's ingredient list. FSSAI mandates that all ingredients must be listed in descending order of their weight. Food additives are often not listed by their chemical names but by an International Numbering System (INS) code. For example, instead of 'citric acid', you might see 'Acidity Regulator (INS 330)'. These three or four-digit codes are part of a global standard managed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, making them consistent across many countries. Seeing an INS number doesn't automatically mean the product is unhealthy; it's simply a standardised way to identify the substance. Common categories include colours (100-199), preservatives (200-299), and antioxidants (300-399).
Finding the Official FSSAI Additive List
To verify if an INS number on a package is permitted, you need to check it against FSSAI's official documentation. The comprehensive list of approved additives is available in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. This document can be found on the FSSAI's official website, fssai.gov.in. While the full regulation document is extensive, it is the definitive source. You can navigate to the 'Regulations' section on the site and find the relevant PDF. Using the 'find' function (Ctrl+F) to search for a specific INS number is the most efficient way to check its status. The regulations specify the additive's name and the food categories in which it is permitted.
Using Digital Tools for Quick Checks
For a more user-friendly approach, several third-party apps and websites offer searchable databases of INS numbers, explaining what each one is. While these are convenient for a quick translation of an INS code into plain English, for official verification, the FSSAI's own resources are paramount. FSSAI has also developed the 'Food Safety Connect' app. While its primary function is to let consumers lodge complaints about food safety issues like adulteration or poor hygiene, it also allows you to verify the FSSAI license of any food business operator. This adds a layer of trust, as a valid license indicates the business is registered and subject to FSSAI's regulatory oversight.
What If You Suspect an Issue?
If you cannot find an additive on the FSSAI's permitted list, or if you suspect a product contains a banned substance or makes misleading claims, you have recourse. The Food Safety Connect app is the designated platform for filing such grievances. Consumers can report issues, upload photos as evidence, and track the status of their complaint. The system automatically routes the complaint to the relevant jurisdictional authority for investigation and action, creating a direct channel for consumer-led surveillance.
