Getting your food packaging and labelling right isn’t just about ticking off a legal requirement. It’s the connection that you make with your customers. By comprehending the FSSAI guidelines, you are not only abiding by the law but also showing that your product is safe, dependable, and can be trusted. Small manufacturers can use this easy guide to make sure they have the basics down.
Why FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Rules Matter for Small Food Manufacturers
Food packaging and labelling are not just the means to keep the product safe. These are the people who promote your brand for you, thus helping you expand your brand and giving the customers a clear idea of what they are buying. The label is a true representation of the product as per FSSAI rules, from the components to the nutrition facts, dates, and even the claims.
A lot of small-scale producers are unaware of the importance of this. Just one wrongly labeled product or a missing batch number can result in a penalty, product recall, or even legal issues. Knowing FSSAI requirements well from the outset will save you the trouble of getting fines and result in more money, time, and peace of mind on your part, while also earning you the trust of customers and distributors.
If you are doubtful of your product’s compliance with the set standards, refer to our FSSAI license guide to know the exact requirements for your category.
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Common Packaging and Labelling Mistakes to Avoid
Packaging and labelling mistakes are less noticeable, but they can easily happen. Below are some examples of frequent problems that you ought to be careful with.
Incorrect Label Information
The label on your product must be precise without exception. Ingredients that are wrongly stated, incorrect weights, names that are not clear; these are not only mistakes that you have made, they are breaches. FSSAI insists that labels should be clear, truthful, and easy to understand.
Non-Compliance with Date/Batch Rules
The info about the Food production date, shelf life, and batch number must be printed in a very accurate manner. In case the details are either missing or are not correct, your product, together with the mentioned information, may be removed from the shelves.
Misuse of Nutrition Claims
Expressions such as “low sugar” or “high protein” are not simply promotional statements; therefore, you need to have the proof to use them. FSSAI has set strict rules for nutrition and health claims, and if you choose to ignore them, you will get into trouble very quickly.
It is a point of emphasis that you should not forget to inspect these things in each and every packaging audit. If, however, you ever find yourself in a situation where you are not sure, it is always better to consult the official guidelines.
Step-by-Step Packaging & Labelling Compliance Checklist (2025)
- Before your product hits the shelves, utilize this efficient checklist:
- Display your FSSAI license number prominently on the packaging.
- Provide the accurate product name, brand, and category.
- Disclose all the ingredients in descending order based on their weight.
- If there are allergens, emphasize them.
- Besides the batch number, also print the manufacturing and expiry dates.
- First of all, ensure that lab results back up claims such as “low fat” or “high protein”.
- Present nutritional information that is in line with FSSAI standards.
- Make use of a font that is clear and readable and also has good color contrast.
- Check that the materials used for your packaging are of food-grade quality and that they are compliant.
- Verify barcodes, QR codes, and traceability information twice.
- Have all the necessary documents on hand for audits or inspections.
This checklist follows the latest FSSAI Guidelines and helps you avoid penalties. If you need the official paperwork, you’ll find everything on our [Application forms] page.
Also Read: What is Food Production?
How to Stay Updated with FSSAI Guidelines
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) rules are changing every year. The 2025 updates may influence packaging, labelling, and the safety standards of products. A small change, such as a new allergen requirement, can cause problems if you do not notice it.
Staying compliant can be best achieved by following dependable sources and keeping your packaging operations adaptable. Our [FSSAI updates newsletter] provides you with easy and timely updates that are of great use to manufacturers.
Leading Food & Beverage Formulation in India | Foodsure
Conclusion & Next Steps
FSSAI Packaging and labelling 2025 might look like tasks that you have to drag through, but the truth is, they are the things that bring you trust, security, and product life. Just take the list to your rescue for the beginning, check your labels in detail, and let conformity be another step in your workflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is food packaging?
Food packaging is the material used to protect, contain, and preserve food during handling, storage, and transport.
- Why is food packaging important?
It keeps food safe, prevents contamination, maintains freshness, and provides product information.
- What information must be on a food label?
Common required details include:
- Product name
- Ingredients list
- Allergens
- Net weight
- Manufacturer details
- Expiry date / Best-before date
- Storage instructions
- Nutrition facts
- What are common types of food packaging materials?
Plastic, glass, metal cans, paper, cardboard, flexible pouches, and biodegradable materials.
- What is primary vs. secondary packaging?
- Primary: Directly touches the food (e.g., bottle, pouch).
- Secondary: Outer packaging used for grouping or transport (e.g., carton box).
- What is food-grade packaging?
Packaging materials approved as safe for direct contact with food, without transferring harmful chemicals.
- What are common labelling mistakes?
Incorrect ingredients, missing allergens, wrong weight, unreadable print, and missing expiry dates.
- What is tamper-evident packaging?
Packaging designed to show if a product has been opened or altered (e.g., sealed caps, shrink bands).