The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has introduced modifications to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, specific to the section on packaging and labelling. Through these changes, it seeks to reduce the incidence of counterfeits in both branded and generic products, and increase consumer awareness. The FSSA details the packaging and labelling requirements in the Act, which should simplify the labels that a consumer reads on the packaged products. The FSSA has listed the general and product-specific requirements for packaging and labelling. Packaging and labelling are most susceptible to faking and duplication with the inclusion of false information. However, they can also be the most effective tools to counter the infiltration of fake products in markets with the help of advanced technology such as barcodes, holograms, RFID labels and other such unique identification devices. Hence, the FSSA encourages the use of Quick Response (QR) codes, cloud computing, effective price tags and label systems, and other such steps. Besides, the use of proper seals, labelling of pre-packaged foods and wrappers, simplification of the mentioned product information and the implementation of product-specific packaging requirements, ensure that customers are fully aware about their purchases.
Ever since the Act came into effect on August 5, 2011, the packaging and labelling industry has been quick to adhere to FSSA’s guidelines. The present changes hope to further enhance compliance in this regard.
Ever since the Act came into effect on August 5, 2011, the packaging and labelling industry has been quick to adhere to FSSA’s guidelines. The present changes hope to further enhance compliance in this regard.
