FSSAI Labeling Guidelines for Bulk Packaged Food

If your food business deals with bulk packaged food—be it wholesale raw materials, large-scale processed food packs, or institutional supplies—ensuring compliance with FSSAI bulk food labeling rules is critical. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, product recalls, or even legal action. Here’s what you need to know about labeling requirements for bulk packaged food as per FSSAI guidelines.

What does FSSAI mean by 'bulk packaged food'?

Under FSSAI regulations, bulk packaged food refers to food products supplied in large quantities, often meant for further processing, repacking, or institutional use. Unlike retail packs, these are not directly sold to consumers. Examples include 25 kg sacks of rice for restaurants, large containers of edible oil for food manufacturers, or bulk spices for repackers.

Such items are typically not displayed on retail shelves but are instead used within the supply chain or by commercial entities. However, even though bulk food is not consumer-facing, it must still comply with FSSAI’s labeling requirements.

What information must be on bulk food labels?

FSSAI has clear guidelines on what details must be included on labels for bulk packaged food. While these requirements are slightly different from retail packaging, they are equally strict. Here’s a list of the key elements:

• Name of the Food: The exact name or description of the food product. It must be specific enough to identify the product clearly.
• Net Quantity: The weight, volume, or number of the food product in the package.
• Batch Number or Lot Number: A unique identification code for traceability.
• Date of Manufacturing and Packing: The date the product was manufactured or packed.
• Best Before or Use By Date: Clearly mention the shelf life of the product. For example, "Best Before 6 Months from the Date of Packing."
• FSSAI License Number: The FSSAI license or registration number of the manufacturer or packer.
• Name and Address of Manufacturer or Packer: Full details of the entity producing or packing the food item.
• Instructions for Use (if applicable): Any special instructions for handling or preparation.

Additional Points

• Nutritional Information: Bulk packages are generally exempt from displaying detailed nutritional information unless the food is being sold directly to consumers. If you're unsure whether your product qualifies for an exemption, check our guide on Which Food Products Are Exempt from FSSAI Labeling Rules?.
• Allergen Declaration: If the food contains allergens (e.g., nuts, gluten), this must be declared on the label.
• Marking for Non-Retail Use: The label should clearly state “Not for Retail Sale” if the package is not intended for direct consumer sale.

Where do businesses often make mistakes with bulk food labeling?

Even experienced food businesses can trip up on FSSAI’s labeling requirements. Here are some common mistakes:

• Missing FSSAI License Number: Forgetting to include the FSSAI license number on the label is a frequent oversight.
• Incorrect Shelf Life Information: Using unclear terms like "Best Before Soon" instead of specifying the exact duration.
• Improper Lot Coding: Lot numbers that don’t follow a consistent format can create traceability issues.
• Absence of Allergen Warnings: Failing to declare allergens can lead to severe penalties.
• Unreadable Labels: Small fonts or poor-quality printing can make labels hard to read, which is non-compliant.

To avoid these pitfalls, consider reviewing Top FSSAI Labeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Do bulk packaged food items need nutritional labels?

In most cases, bulk packaged food is exempt from displaying full nutritional information. This exemption applies when the product is not sold directly to end consumers, such as raw materials for further processing. However, if the bulk package is intended for retail sales, then nutritional labeling becomes mandatory. If you're unsure about creating nutritional labels, check out How to Create FSSAI-Compliant Nutritional Labels for Food Products.

Practical example: A spice supplier to restaurants

Let’s say you own a spice business supplying bulk 20 kg sacks of turmeric powder to restaurants in Delhi. Here’s what your label must include:

• Name of the food: “Turmeric Powder”
• Net quantity: “20 kg”
• Batch number: A unique code, e.g., “TP20231001”
• Date of packing: “Packed on 01-10-2023”
• Best before: “Best Before 12 Months from Packing”
• FSSAI license number: “FSSAI Lic. No. 12345678901234”
• Manufacturer details: “XYZ Spices Pvt. Ltd., 123 Industrial Area, Delhi”
• Marking: “Not for Retail Sale”

Ensure all this information is printed clearly and legibly on the sack. Skipping any of these details can result in penalties.

What happens if you don’t comply with FSSAI bulk food labeling rules?

Non-compliance with FSSAI labeling rules can have serious consequences. These include:

• Fines and penalties: Depending on the nature of the violation, fines can range from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs.
• Product recalls: Authorities may order your products to be recalled from the market.
• Legal action: Repeated violations can lead to suspension or cancellation of your FSSAI license.

For a detailed breakdown of potential penalties, you can refer to our article on What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance with FSSAI Labeling Rules?.

Getting professional help with FSSAI bulk food labeling

If you’re finding it challenging to ensure your bulk food packaging labels meet FSSAI’s requirements, you’re not alone. Many small businesses struggle with the technicalities of compliance. A service like Tatkal FSSAI can assist you in preparing accurate, compliant labels and guiding you through the process to avoid costly errors.

Final tip: Always stay updated

FSSAI regulations evolve to keep up with industry needs. What’s compliant today may change tomorrow. Always verify the latest rules on the FoSCoS website or consult a professional.

For more insights into labeling rules and practices, explore our Labeling guides.