Restrictions on Product Labels

The information on the label has to be appropriately given for the convenience of the consumer. Any statement, claim, design, etc., which is false or may mislead a consumer about the quality, nutrition value or quantity of a food product is strictly prohibited. prepackaged food products has to follow the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011. Regulations contradictory to required particulars or declaration.

recommendations by medical practitioners. indicating that the article is a substitute for any food is/are not to be mentioned on the label. fruit pulp shall not have a label that may lead the consumer into believing that it is a fruit product. beverages, cordial, crush or any other fruit product that does not contain the prescribed amount of fruit juice or fruit pulp or fruit content shall not be

If the food product is not labelled in accordance with the regulations, or it does not provide the required complete information, or the food product is promoted for sale with false, misleading or deceptive claims, it is considered misbranded food and attracts penalties. While misbranded food can be penalized for up to Rs 3 lakh, penalty for misleading advertisement can go up to Rs 10 lakh.

Further, there shall be no advertisement of any food that is misleading or contravening the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, or the rules/ regulations made thereunder.