FSSAI clarifies the labelling requirements under FSS Regulations and mandated their compliance

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an advisory on 11 August 2020 requiring compliance with labelling provisions of the FSS (Food or Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods for Special Dietary Use, Foods for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods and Novel Foods) Regulations, 2016.

The FSSAI draws attention to the fact that FSS Regulations, 2016 themselves prescribe labelling provisions for specific categories of food products. In particular, the Regulations cover eight categories of Functional foods, namely, Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Specialty food containing plant or botanicals, Foods containing Probiotics, Foods containing Prebiotics and Novel Foods. Each category prescribes a set of instructions to be enumerated in the packaging or labels.

For instance, the labels of Foods Containing Prebiotics must detail the following:

1. The  words ‘PREBIOTIC FOOD’
2. The name of the prebiotic,
3. The recommended serving size,
4. A prominent advisory warning, ‘NOT FOR MEDICINAL USE’
5. Any warnings, known side-effects or product-drug interactions

These provisions must be complied with strictly.

Additionally, these Regulations require that the label on each food product must identify the following:

1. Nature and purpose of the product,
2. The target consumer group,
3. The physiological or disease conditions addressed,
4. The recommended period of use,
5. Detailed Instructions, and
6. Precautions for use.

This information must be conveyed in a manner suitable for the intended consumer.

Moreover, FSSAI also reiterates that the food products covered by this regulation must also comply with general labelling requirements specified in the FSS (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011.

The FSSAI has emphasized on strict compliance with all requisite labelling provisions.