Why food labelling matters
For packaged food, the label is not just marketing — it is a legal requirement. FSSAI sets out what information must appear on food labels so consumers can make informed, safe choices. Getting labelling wrong can lead to penalties, rejected consignments and loss of consumer trust.
What a food label must generally include
While exact requirements depend on the product, food labels in India generally must carry:
- Name of the food product
- List of ingredients in descending order
- Nutritional information
- The vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol
- Name and address of the manufacturer or packer
- Net quantity
- Manufacturing or packing date and best-before or expiry
- FSSAI licence number and logo
- Allergen information and relevant declarations
Special declarations
Certain foods require additional declarations — for example, statements related to additives, claims, or specific warnings. Claims like organic or fortified come with their own rules. If your product makes a claim, it must be substantiated and compliant.
Common labelling mistakes
- Missing or incorrect FSSAI number
- Inaccurate or absent nutritional information
- No clear veg or non-veg symbol
- Misleading claims that cannot be substantiated
- Incorrect net quantity declaration
Labelling and your brand
A compliant, clear and well-designed label builds trust and protects you legally. As you scale or move into retail and export, labelling becomes even more important, so it is worth getting right from the start.
How Aidwish helps
Aidwish's food specialists guide you on compliant labelling and packaging, review your labels against the rules, and coordinate any testing your claims require — so your packaged food meets requirements and builds trust.