FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-18

Last Updated on August 2, 2025 by The Health Master

Food Labelling

Continued from……. FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-17

Guidance and instructions for Food Labelling

Display Clarity: Guidelines for Principal Display Panel

Labelling Exemptions for Certain Packages: Streamlining Information

In recognition of diverse packaging scenarios and consumption contexts, certain exemptions are granted from specific food labelling requirements.

These exemptions aim to balance consumer information needs with practical considerations for certain types of packages.

1. Small Packages Exemption

Surface Area Criteria:

Packages with a surface area not exceeding 100 square centimeters are exempted from certain requirements.

Exemptions include the list of ingredients, lot number or batch number or code number, nutritional information, food labelling of irradiated food, declaration of food additives, license number and logo, the name and complete address of the importer, and instructions for use.

However, this information should be provided on multi-unit packages.

2. Reuse of Bottles

Liquid Products in Reusable Bottles:

For liquid products in bottles intended for reuse, the requirement for the list of ingredients is exempted.

However, nutritional information specified in regulation 5(3) must be displayed on the label.

3. Short Shelf-Life Foods

Shelf Life of Seven Days or Less:

Foods with a shelf life of not more than seven days may not require the mention of the ‘date of manufacture’ on the label.

Instead, the ‘expiry/use by‘ date shall be mentioned by the manufacturer or packer.

4. Prepared Foods for Immediate Consumption

Immediate Consumption Scenarios:

Prepared foods served for immediate consumption, such as those in hotels, food service vendors, caterers, halwais, hospitals, religious gatherings, or served in transportation vehicles, are subject to specific declarations related to allergens, logos for veg or non-veg, and other prescribed declarations.

For food served through vending machines, additional food labelling requirements are applicable as specified in regulation 5(3) of FSSAI.

To be continued……. FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-19

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