The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a significant change to its regulatory process, fixing July 1st of each year as the date for enforcing any amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and labeling changes in other FSS Regulations. This press release was issued on January 15, 2025.
This decision aims to improve ease of doing business for food businesses and empower consumers with better information.
It may be recalled that the FSSAI had issued an order dated January 3, 2025, revising the timeline for compliance with amendments to labeling provisions. This decision was made during the 45th meeting of the Food Authority.
Starting from 2025, any changes to labeling regulations will come into effect on July 1st of each year. A minimum of 180 days’ notice will be provided from the date of notification of the amendments. This applies to amendments under the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations and any labeling changes specified in other FSS Regulations.
Benefits for Food Businesses
- This measure addresses challenges related to implementation, operational changes, and associated costs.
- Food Business Operators (FBOs) can utilize pre-printed packaging materials for a longer duration, minimizing waste and improving operational efficiency.
- Reduced packaging changes contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint.
Benefits for Consumers
- The initiative ensures greater transparency in food labeling, enabling consumers to make informed choices.
- Improved labeling practices boost consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products.
The FSSAI recognized the challenges faced by FBOs, particularly concerning the use of pre-printed packaging materials. The new measure offers a practical solution by providing a consistent and predictable timeframe for implementing labeling changes.
