1. Check for the FSSAI Logo and Licence
Before you check anything else, look for the FSSAI logo and the 14-digit licence number. This is the most basic sign that the food product is compliant with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The presence of this logo confirms that the manufacturer
is registered and adheres to national food safety standards, offering a first line of defence against substandard or counterfeit products. Every legally compliant packaged food in India must display this information, making it a quick and essential check for legitimacy.
2. The Green, Brown, and Vegan Symbols
For many Indian households, dietary preference is non-negotiable. FSSAI makes this easy to identify with mandatory symbols. A green circle inside a green square indicates a vegetarian product. A brown triangle inside a brown square means the product is non-vegetarian. The symbol was changed from a circle to a triangle to help colour-blind individuals differentiate between the two. For products containing only eggs as a non-vegetarian ingredient, an additional declaration may be present. FSSAI has also introduced a new logo for vegan products to distinguish them from lacto-vegetarian items.
3. Understand 'Best Before' vs. 'Expiry Date'
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. 'Best Before' is about quality; the manufacturer guarantees the product will retain its flavour, texture, and nutritional value until this date. The food may still be safe to eat after this date, but the quality might decline. 'Expiry Date' or 'Use By' is a safety deadline. After this date, the food is considered unsafe to consume, regardless of its appearance or smell, and should not be eaten. This is especially critical for perishable items like dairy, meat, and ready-to-eat meals.
4. Decode the Ingredient List
The ingredient list is where the real story of a product is told. Ingredients are always listed in descending order by weight, so the first three ingredients make up the bulk of what you're eating. If sugar, maida (refined flour), or palm oil are at the top of the list for a 'healthy' snack, you know the front-of-pack claim is questionable. Also, watch for hidden sugars. Brands often use multiple names like glucose syrup, maltodextrin, invert syrup, or fruit juice concentrate to avoid listing 'sugar' as the first ingredient. If you see two or three of these names, it's a red flag.
5. Scan the Nutritional Facts Panel
The nutrition panel can seem intimidating, but you only need to focus on a few key numbers. Always use the 'per 100g' column for a fair comparison between products, as 'per serving' sizes can be manipulated to make numbers look better. Pay close attention to 'Added Sugars' if listed, as this is the sugar put in during processing, not what occurs naturally in milk or fruit. Look for trans fats, often listed as 'partially hydrogenated oils' in the ingredients. A high sodium content (above 600mg per 100g is considered high) is another factor to watch, especially in savoury snacks and instant noodles.
6. Be Wary of Misleading Health Claims
Words like 'natural,' 'healthy,' 'whole wheat goodness,' and 'zero cholesterol' are often marketing buzzwords that can create a misleading 'health halo'. A 'multigrain' biscuit might still be mostly refined flour, and a 'baked, not fried' snack can still be high in sodium and calories. FSSAI has flagged several brands for making unsubstantiated claims. Always cross-reference the claim on the front with the ingredient list and nutritional facts on the back. If a product claims to be 'organic', look for official certifications like the Jaivik Bharat logo.
