Food label compliance checklist

Define the product and pack

Record the recipe, ingredient specifications, additives, intended consumers and storage conditions. Identify the applicable food category and whether the pack is retail, non-retail or subject to a special product regime.

Use the current FSSAI regulations and effective amendments for the planned production date. Distinguish notified requirements from draft proposals and future commencement dates; an older compendium is a starting reference, not proof that later changes do not apply.

Prepare the declaration checklist

• Name and description that correctly identify the food.
• Ingredient and additive declarations appropriate to the formulation.
• Nutrition information and applicable serving or reference information.
• Allergen declarations based on ingredients and the applicable rules.
• Vegetarian or non-vegetarian identification where required.
• Responsible business names, addresses and licence particulars.
• Lot or batch identification, date marking and storage or use instructions.
• Net quantity and other applicable packaged-commodity declarations.

Reconcile formulation and claims

Compare the label with the approved recipe and supplier specifications. Review highlighted ingredients, nutrition claims and health-related statements under the applicable claims rules. Keep the evidence supporting each claim rather than relying on a designer’s wording.

For example, a recipe change that introduces a milk-derived ingredient may affect the ingredient list, allergen statement and marketing claims. Treat the change as a label review trigger even if the product name and pack size remain unchanged.

Identify the responsible operators

Document the roles of brand owner, manufacturer, packer, marketer and importer as relevant. FSSAI’s labelling FAQ addresses the brand owner’s name and address and the licence-number declarations where another operator is involved.

Reconcile those particulars with the actual manufacturing arrangement and licences. A contract manufacturer’s details should not be copied from an earlier product without checking the current facility and responsibility structure.

Review the physical artwork

Check placement, legibility, contrast and applicable size requirements on the actual pack dimensions. Inspect folds, seams and curved surfaces that can obscure mandatory information. Review every language version for consistent meaning.

Approve a production-scale proof rather than only a magnified screen image. Confirm that variable information such as batch and date codes has sufficient space and remains readable after printing and normal handling.

Keep online and physical information aligned

Review product listings and promotional material alongside the pack. Identify the information required before an online purchase and ensure the listing describes the same formulation and pack currently supplied.

When artwork changes, control old and new versions across printers, warehouses and sales channels. Record the effective production batch and assess any transition provision before deciding how remaining packaging can be used.

Maintain the release file

• Product specification and approved formulation version.
• Applicable rules, amendments and effective-date assessment.
• Claim substantiation and nutrition or testing support.
• Completed label review checklist and resolved comments.
• Final artwork and production proof with approval date.
• Licence and operator-detail verification.
• Change history and responsible owner for future updates.

Separate label review from product approval

A compliant-looking label does not establish that the formulation, ingredients, manufacturing process or packaging material meet every applicable requirement. Keep those assessments linked but distinct.

Kosha.Services can help coordinate the label checklist and supporting records. Provide the complete artwork, formulation, intended market and operator details before printing so changes can be resolved while the design remains editable.