1. The Dates: Manufacturing and Expiry
This is the most fundamental check for safety. Look for the 'Date of Manufacture' (MFD) and the 'Expiry Date' or 'Use By' date. The 'Use By' date is a strict deadline for safety, commonly found on perishable items like milk and bread. The 'Best Before'
date, often seen on items with a longer shelf life, indicates when the product might start losing its quality, flavour, or texture, but may still be safe to consume. Checking these dates ensures you are buying fresh products and prevents food waste at home. For products with a shelf life under three months, the law requires the exact date, month, and year to be printed, while for others, the month and year suffice.
2. The Price: MRP Is the Law
The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is a consumer protection feature unique to India and a few other countries. It is the highest price that can legally be charged for a pre-packaged product, and this price is inclusive of all taxes. It is illegal for any retailer to charge more than the printed MRP. Always verify the price being charged at the counter against the MRP printed on the package. This simple check protects you from being overcharged, a practice that can still occur, especially in smaller local stores. The Consumer Protection Act ensures you have the right to purchase goods at a fair price, and the MRP is the legal ceiling.
3. The FSSAI Logo and Licence Number
The small FSSAI logo on a food package is a big deal. It signifies that the product complies with the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Every food business operator in India, from manufacturers to packers, must have an FSSAI licence or registration number, which should be displayed on the label. If a packaged food item does not have an FSSAI logo and number, it could be an illegal and untested product, posing a potential health risk. This is a non-negotiable check for ensuring the food you buy has passed regulatory scrutiny.
4. The Veg/Non-Veg Symbol
For millions of Indians, dietary choices are a matter of cultural and religious importance. FSSAI mandates a clear and simple system for this. A green filled circle inside a green square indicates the product is 'Vegetarian'. This means it does not contain any part of any animal, though it can include milk, milk products, and honey. A brown filled triangle inside a brown square signifies a 'Non-Vegetarian' product, which contains ingredients from animal sources, including meat, fish, poultry, or eggs. Even additives or processing aids derived from animal tissues require the brown symbol, making this an essential check for strict vegetarians.
5. The Ingredients List
The front of the package sells a story with words like 'natural' or 'healthy', but the back tells the truth. The ingredients are always listed in descending order by weight, so the first few ingredients make up the bulk of the product. If sugar, salt, or refined flour (maida) are at the top of the list, you know what you're mostly consuming, regardless of the marketing claims. This is also where you check for hidden allergens, artificial colours, and preservatives. A quick scan of the ingredients empowers you to look past the advertising and understand what you are actually eating.
6. The Packaging Integrity
Before an item goes into your cart, give it a quick physical check. For cans, look for dents, rust, or bulges, which can indicate a risk of botulism. For sealed packets like chips or spices, check for small tears or holes that could have let in air and moisture, making the product stale or spoiled. With jars and bottles, ensure the safety seal is intact and has not been broken or tampered with. A compromised package means the contents are no longer protected from contamination or spoilage. This final check takes only a second and is a crucial last line of defence for food safety.
