How to Display Nutrition Facts on Food Labels as Per FSSAI

Nutrition facts labeling is one of the most important aspects of food product packaging. If you're selling packaged food in India, displaying nutrition information correctly not only builds consumer trust but is also mandatory as per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines. Here's what you need to know to ensure compliance.

Who Needs to Display Nutrition Facts?

Under FSSAI regulations, most packaged food products must include nutrition facts on their labels. This includes:

• Food manufactured in India for domestic sale
• Imported food products
• Foods intended for export (specific requirements may apply)

However, certain products may be exempt from labeling altogether. For example, foods served at restaurants or freshly prepared items like bakery goods might not require detailed nutrition information. To understand these exemptions, read our guide on Which Food Products Are Exempt from FSSAI Labeling Rules?.

What Must Be Included in Nutrition Facts Labels?

As per FSSAI labeling requirements, your nutrition facts panel must include specific details. Here’s a general list of the information you’ll need to display:

• Energy Value: Measured in kilocalories (kcal).
• Macronutrients: Protein, carbohydrates (including sugar), and fat content.
• Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals, where applicable.
• Serving Size: Clearly stated.
• Number of Servings Per Pack: Based on the serving size.

The nutrition facts should be presented per 100 grams or milliliters, or per serving size, as applicable. For example, a pack of biscuits might state: "Energy: 450 kcal per 100g" or "Energy: 112 kcal per serving (30g)."

If your product includes any added nutrients (e.g., fortified foods), those must be mentioned separately. Always ensure the values are accurate and match the specifications in your product's formulation.

Format and Placement of Nutrition Facts

FSSAI mandates that nutrition facts must be displayed in a tabular format on the food label. The table should:

• Be printed legibly in a contrasting color.
• Use a font size that is clear and readable.
• Be placed where consumers can easily see it.

Avoid overcrowding the panel with unnecessary information. Stick to the required details and arrange them systematically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many food businesses face compliance issues because of mistakes in labeling. Here are some of the common errors:

• Incorrect Values: Ensure the nutrition data matches the actual product formulation. Using generic values can lead to penalties.
• Missing Nutritional Information: Leaving out mandatory fields like energy content or serving size.
• Illegible Text: Small font sizes or poor contrast can make your label non-compliant.
• Wrong Placement: Placing the nutrition facts in an inconspicuous area.

For detailed advice on avoiding these pitfalls, check out our article on Top FSSAI Labeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

How to Calculate Nutrition Values

If you're unsure how to determine the correct nutritional values for your food product, consider these approaches:

• Laboratory Testing: Engage an accredited food testing lab to analyze your product's composition.
• Ingredient-Based Analysis: Use standard nutritional databases to calculate values based on the ingredients and their amounts.

For smaller businesses, laboratory testing may seem costly, but it ensures accuracy. Learn more about potential costs in our guide: How Much Does FSSAI-Compliant Labeling Cost Small Businesses?.

Legal Implications of Non-Compliance

Failing to display nutrition facts correctly can lead to penalties under FSSAI rules. These may include fines, recall of products, or suspension of your FSSAI license. If you're exporting food products, incorrect labeling can also result in rejection at customs.

You can explore more on penalties in our article: What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance with FSSAI Labeling Rules?.

How Tatkal FSSAI Can Help

Navigating FSSAI labeling requirements can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses or first-time entrepreneurs. Tatkal FSSAI can assist you with ensuring your food labels meet all legal standards, from calculating nutritional values to filing applications for approval. Visit our Labeling guides for more tips and resources.

The key is to focus on accuracy, compliance, and consumer transparency. With the right approach, you can avoid penalties, build trust, and grow your food business confidently.