FSSAI’s Role: More Than Just a Logo
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the country's main regulatory body for food. While you might recognise its logo on packaged goods, its job goes far beyond that. FSSAI sets the rules for everything from manufacturing practices
to the information displayed on labels. A key part of this is governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. This framework was created to ensure that what companies say about their products is truthful, not misleading, and scientifically substantiated. It prohibits claims that a food can prevent or cure a disease and stops brands from using the FSSAI logo as a marketing tool to imply superiority.
Decoding Common Label Claims
The supermarket aisle is filled with tempting words, but FSSAI has strict definitions for them. For a product to be called 'Natural', it must be a single-ingredient food from a plant, animal, or mineral source that has only undergone minimal processing like washing or cutting. Multi-ingredient products generally cannot use this term. 'Organic' is even more stringent, requiring certification from systems like the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India), ensuring no synthetic pesticides or GMOs were used. Without the proper certification logo, a claim of 'organic' is unverified. Words like 'Fresh', 'Pure', or 'Authentic' also have specific criteria they must meet and cannot be used frivolously. FSSAI has also cautioned against using absolute claims like '100% pure' unless it can be thoroughly proven, as this can mislead consumers into believing a product has absolute superiority.
The Battle for Front-of-Pack Clarity
One of the most significant recent debates in Indian food regulation is about Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL). This involves placing simple, clear warnings on the front of packages to quickly show if a product is high in sugar, salt, or fat. Public health advocates argue this is crucial for helping consumers make healthier choices at a glance. However, the implementation has been delayed for years. The Supreme Court has recently criticised FSSAI for the slow progress, highlighting the urgent need to protect public health, especially that of children. FSSAI's proposals have shifted, from a star-rating system to displaying the percentage of recommended daily limits, which critics say is less effective than a direct warning label. As of late August 2026, a final decision on a mandatory, easy-to-understand FoPL system is still awaited.
Beyond the Basics: Mandatory Information
Beyond marketing claims, FSSAI mandates that every pre-packaged food must display several key pieces of information. This includes the name of the food, a full list of ingredients in descending order of weight, and nutritional facts. Every label must also clearly declare whether the product is vegetarian (green dot) or non-vegetarian (brown dot), including eggs. Other compulsory details are the manufacturer's name and address, net quantity, batch number for traceability, and both the date of manufacture and the expiry date. For imported foods, the country of origin must also be listed. This information is legally required to be clear, prominent, and written in English or Hindi.
Your Power as a Consumer
If you come across a food product with what you believe is a misleading claim or incorrect labelling, you have the power to act. FSSAI has created channels specifically for consumer grievances. You can file a complaint through the 'Food Safety Connect' mobile app or its online portal, FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). When lodging a complaint, you can submit evidence like pictures of the product label highlighting the misleading claim and the manufacturer's FSSAI licence number. This system empowers consumers to be the eyes and ears of the regulator, helping to ensure that food businesses are held accountable for the claims they make.
