Declaration of “Net Quantity” on food labels : Module 8

Net Quantity 

The net quantity of contents is the statement on the label which provides the actual amount of food in the container. 

From the net quantity mentioned on the label of the food product, the buyer can assess that for purchasing the particular quantity, how much he has to pocket out and he can also compare the quantity and the price of the similar product of different manufacturers. 

Though as per food laws FSS (Packaging and labelling) Regulation, 2011, it is not mandatory to mention the minimum retail price of the product, but the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, makes its mandatory to mention the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) as well as the net weight of the food product along with guidelines that specific food commodities like biscuits, bread, tea, cereals and pulses etc. are to be packed and sold in recommended standard packages. The Food business Operator has also to follow the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, in this regard. 

The declared quantity on a package should be accurate and it should not be less than the declared quantity, otherwise it will make the food product misbranded which attracts penalty. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 2011 notified by FSSAI requires that: 

(i) Net quantity by weight or volume or number has to be declared on every package of food; 

(ii) If a food is packed in a liquid medium, then the net quantity along with the drained weight of the food shall be mentioned on the label. 

(iii) In case of a package contains a large number of small items of confectionery and each wrapped separately, where it is not possible to exclude the weight of the wrappers, in this case the net weight may also include the weight of the wrapper. 

The accurate amount of contents or weight have to be mentioned on the food label, else the food product would be treated as misbranded and liable to be penalised under the regulations.