FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-11

Last Updated on August 2, 2025 by The Health Master

Food Labelling

Continued from……. FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-10

Traceability Assurance: Lot/Code/Batch Identification on Labels

In the realm of product traceability and quality control, the inclusion of a batch number, code number, or lot number on product labels is imperative.

This identification serves as a key element in ensuring transparency and facilitating swift and accurate recall processes if necessary.

1. Mandatory Declaration

(a) On the Label:

• A specific batch number, code number, or lot number must be prominently declared on the label of the product. This identification is crucial for various purposes, including quality control, tracking, and, if needed, recalling products from the market.

Temporal Transparency: Date Marking for Food Products

Ensuring clarity regarding the temporal aspects of food products is crucial for both consumers and regulatory compliance.

The regulations surrounding date marking, as specified, aim to provide concise information about the manufacturing or packaging date, expiry/use-by date, and any additional considerations related to storage.

1. Mandatory Date Declarations

(a) On the Label:

• Food labelling: The label of every food product must include the “Date of manufacture or packaging” and the “Expiry/Use by” date. Optionally, the term “Best before” may also be used as additional information.

(b) Manner of Declaration:

• The date of manufacture or packaging and the expiry/use-by date should be declared in a specific manner:
  • For products with a short shelf life (up to 3 months): DD/MM/YY format.
  • For products with a shelf life of more than three months: Month and year in un-coded numerical sequence, with the month indicated by capital letters. Abbreviations (at least the first three letters) may be used.

(c) Storage Conditions:

• Any special conditions for the storage of the food, if affecting the validity of the date, must be declared on the label. Additionally, if applicable, storage conditions after opening the pack may also be specified.

(d) Exemptions from Expiry Indication:

• The indication of “Expiry” is not required for specific categories, including fresh fruits and vegetables, wine, alcoholic beverages with 10% or more alcohol content, vinegar, sugar boiled confectionery, food-grade salt for industrial use, solid sugars, and chewing gum.

(e) Grouping of Dates:

• The “Date of manufacture or packaging” and “Expiry/Use by” shall be grouped together and provided at one place on the label.

(f) Special Case for Packed Meals:

• Packed meals served in airlines, railways, or mobile catering units should declare the “Date and time of manufacture.”

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To be continued……. FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-12 (Coming soon)

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