FSSAI Labeling Rules: What They Do — and Don’t — Protect You From

The Green Dot Revolution

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) gave us one of the best labeling innovations in the world: The Green/Red/Brown Dot.

At a glance, any Indian consumer knows if a product is Veg or Non-Veg. This is superior to almost any labeling system in the West.

What FSSAI Protects You From

In the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, the mandate was strengthened:

1. Mandatory Declaration: "Total Sugars" and "Added Sugars" must now be displayed (Source: FSSAI).
2. Allergen Info: Contains Milk, Soy, Nuts, etc., must be declared.

The Gaps (What They Don't Tell You)

1. The "Sugar" Hiding Game

FSSAI requires listing ingredients by weight. So brands split sugar into 3 types: Sugar, Liquid Glucose, Dextrose. Individually, they are small, so they sit lower on the list. Combined, they might be the #1 ingredient.

2. "Class II Preservatives"

You'll often see "Contains Class II Preservatives." This refers to a category in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (e.g., Benzoates, Sulphites, Sorbates). But which one? For someone with Asthma, knowing if it is a Sulfite specifically is critical. The "Class II" grouping obscures this.

3. Allergen Bold-ing

Unlike the EU/UK, where allergens MUST be bolded in the ingredient list, consistent enforcement in India is still catching up. You often have to hunt for "Contains Milk" in tiny font.

Be Your Own Regulator

FSSAI sets the floor. As a consumer, you need to set your own ceiling. Don't trust the front-of-pack claims ("Immunity Booster!", "Real Fruit!"). Flip the pack. Read the fine print.

Related Reading

• Preservatives in Packaged Foods: Which Ones Matter and Why
• Jain, Vegetarian, Vegan: Why Indian Diet Rules Are Hard to Enforce Digitally