4. Labeling Requirements
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4. Labeling Requirements
- 7 Mins to read
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Beers, RTDs, Whisky
India
This section provides information on labeling requirements and the label approval process.
4.1 Mandatory Labeling Parameters
General Food
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set comprehensive guidelines on mandatory labeling requirements for food products to ensure consumer safety and transparency. These parameters help consumers make informed decisions about the food they purchase and consume. The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011 outline these requirements, which apply to all food products sold in India [7].
Category
Alcoholic beverages
As per FSSAI [7], mandatory details include:
- Brand name
- Type of beverage (beer, wine, etc.)
- Alcohol By Volume (e.g., 8% ABV)
- “Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health” and “Drink responsibly” warnings
- Net quantity
- Manufacturing/bottling details
- Batch number and manufacturing date
- Maximum Retail Price (MRP)
- Country of origin for imports
Additional Notes:
Labels must not glorify excessive consumption or contain misleading claims. [25]
Product Identity and legal name, Alcohol content, Health warning, Ingredient list and additives, Storage instructions and batch information, manufacturing date, packaging details, country of origin, Import certificate, and excise information.
Additional labeling requirements applicable to all alcoholic beverages :
- Language: Labels must be in English, and local languages may also be required depending on the region. (See Section 2 of this guidebook.)
- Label Size: The size of the label and font used should be legible and meet FSSAI guidelines for visibility. (See Section 4.3 below)
- Tax/Excise Mark: For certain alcoholic products, a tax or excise mark (issued by state authorities) may be necessary to show the product is legally produced and taxed. (See Report on Tax Policy).
Product
1) Beer
- Name of the Product: Must specify the name of the beer (e.g., Lager, Ale, Stout).
- Alcohol Content: The label should clearly state the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV).
- Ingredients: A list of ingredients used in the beer, including water, malt, hops, and yeast.
- Net Volume: The total volume of the product in the container (e.g., 330 ml, 500 ml).
- Date of Manufacturing: The date of manufacture or bottling.
- Best Before Date: The shelf life of the product (if applicable).
- FSSAI License Number: The FSSAI registration or license number of the manufacturer.
- Manufacturing/Packaging Details: The name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer.
- Labeling of Ingredients: Depending on the product, certain allergens (like gluten) or additives must be disclosed.
- Warning: A warning that drinking alcohol during pregnancy or excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful.
2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages
- Name of the Product: This should indicate that it is an RTD beverage.
- Alcohol Content: The ABV (percentage) should be prominently displayed.
- Ingredients List: RTDs often contain a mix of alcohol and flavorings. The list should include all ingredients like alcohol, flavorings, sweeteners, preservatives, etc.
- Net Volume: The container’s net volume (e.g., 250 ml, 330 ml).
- FSSAI License Number: The manufacturer's or distributor's FSSAI registration number.
- Date of Manufacturing and Best Before Date: Shelf life and manufacturing date.
- Nutritional Information: If applicable, RTDs must provide nutritional information such as calories, sugar content, etc.
- Warning on Consumption: Includes warnings regarding excessive alcohol consumption and the risks of alcohol during pregnancy.
- Storage Conditions: Any specific storage conditions, such as "store in a cool, dry place" or "refrigerate after opening."
3) Whisky
- Name of the Product: Must clearly identify the product as whisky.
- Alcohol Content: The percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) should be clearly displayed.
- Ingredients: Whisky labels typically list the base ingredients like barley, maize, or rye, but some categories may not require full ingredient disclosure.
- Net Volume: The total volume of the whisky in the bottle (e.g., 700 ml, 750 ml).
- Date of Manufacturing: Manufacturing or bottling date (if required).
- Best Before Date: If applicable, some whisky products may have a shelf life or best-before date.
- FSSAI License Number: As with all alcoholic beverages, the FSSAI license or registration number of the manufacturer must be displayed.
- Distillery Information: Name and address of the distillery or bottling company.
- Storage Conditions: Information regarding how to store the whisky (e.g., store it in a cool, dry place).
- Warning: Must include a health warning related to alcohol consumption and its potential risks.
4.2 Languages
General Food
Labels must be printed in English and/or the local language of the region in which the product is being sold. For instance, in Maharashtra, labels may require both English and Marathi, while in Delhi, English and Hindi may be necessary.
Category
Alcoholic beverages
Same as General Food above.
Product
1) Beer
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
3) Whisky
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
4.3 Mandatory Information on Stickers
General Food
It is acceptable to provide mandatory information on a sticker [7].
Category
Alcoholic beverages
Mandatory information to be provided on the sticker are:
- Product Identity
- Alcohol content (ABV)
- Health warning
- Ingredients list and additives
- Volume information
- Storage instructions and batch number
- Manufacturing date
- Country of origin
- FSSAI registration number
- Special excise label
- Barcode/ QR code
Product
1) Beer
Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.
2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages
Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.
3) Whisky
Same as "Category" (alcoholic drinks) above.
4.4 Product Legal Name
Product
Beer, Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages, and Whisky
Product Name: The legal name of the alcoholic beverage must be clearly stated on the label. For example, "Beer," "Whisky," or "Ready-to-Drink Beverage."
Common Name: If the product contains ingredients that could be considered unfamiliar, such as flavor additives or unusual alcoholic mixtures, their common names must be disclosed.
4.5 Product-specific Labeling Statements
Category
Alcoholic beverages
- Alcohol Content: The Alcohol by Volume (ABV) must be clearly stated. For example, "Contains 8% ABV."
- Health Warning: Labels must include statutory health warnings, such as: "Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health." "Drink responsibly."
- Volume Information: Must include the exact volume of alcohol in the bottle (e.g., 750 ml or 1 L).
- Ingredients: A list of all ingredients used, including additives or preservatives, if applicable.
- Storage Instructions: Information on how to store the product (e.g., "Store in a cool, dry place").
Product
1) Beer
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
3) Whisky
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
4.6 Authority Approval
General Food
FSSAI requires that all General Food products undergo certain labeling approvals to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011 [7]. FSSAI does not pre-approve each product label but ensures compliance with food labeling standards through inspections, licenses, and regulations [7]. If there is a new product or a significant change to the product (like a new formulation or health claim), manufacturers may submit the product details and label to FSSAI for review. Any non-compliant label may lead to penalties, product recalls, or fines. [8]
Category
Alcoholic beverages
Labels must be approved by FSSAI before they can be used on imported or locally manufactured alcoholic beverages.
Product
1) Beer
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
3) Whisky
Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.
4.7 Additional Notes on Labeling
- Barcode and QR Code: A barcode and QR code are often required for tracking and sales purposes.
- Batch and Manufacturing Date: Every label must display the batch number and manufacturing date for traceability.
- Imported Products: For imported alcoholic beverages, the country of origin must be clearly indicated on the label.
4.8 References
1. FSSAI Act 2006
https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-safety-and-standards-act-2006.php
2. FSSAI Guidelines on Alcoholic Beverages
3. Alimentarius - Alcoholic Beverages Standards
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/
4. Alcoholic Beverages Standards Regulation, 2018, updated 28 08 2023
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Comp_Alcoholic_Beverages(III)_28_08_2023.pdf
5. Draft notification on Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2023 related to standards of Mead (Honey wine), Craft Beer, Indian liquors and definition of Low Alcoholic Beverages/ RTD, wine-based Beverages and, Country Liquors, etc.
https://comments.fssai.gov.in/Bestviewwl.aspx?NOTIFICATION_ID=4345
6. FSSAI Food Additives Regulations (2011)
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Food_Additives_Regulations.pdf
7. FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations, 2011
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Labelling_Display_23_09_2021.pdf
8. FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Chapter 9 – Penalties and Offenses)
9. FSSAI Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations, 2018
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Gazette_Notification_Advertising_Claims_27_11_2018.pdf
10. FSSAI proposed standards Claims
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Notice_Comments_Alcoholic_Beverages.pdf
11. FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018
12. BIS FMCS - Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme
https://www.bis.gov.in/fmcs/certification-process/products-under-fmcs/
13. Custom clearance process
14. Direct and Indirect Taxes
15. Pesticide residue FSSAI Pesticide and Contaminant Regulations (Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011)
16. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Specifies penalties for misleading advertisements, including alcohol-related campaigns
17. BIS standards for packaging materials (e.g., IS 15410 for food-grade plastics)
18. IS 3752 Specification for Beer
19. IS 6613: Standards for distilled beverages
https://www.services.bis.gov.in/tmp/rp_19122023_658141877ea41.pdf
20. Haryana Excise law
21. Delhi Excise Law
22. Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): ASCI oversees advertising content to ensure ethical practices, including compliance for surrogate advertising of alcoholic beverages. For detailed guidelines
https://www.ascionline.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Book_Codes_Webready.pdf
23. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: This act prohibits direct advertising of alcohol on cable TV and sets conditions for surrogate advertising
Home | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
24. Food Safety Mantra Blog on FSSAI Alcoholic Beverages Standards: A helpful summary of the FSSAI and excise-related guidelines for alcohol advertising
Alcoholic Beverages | FSSAI Guidelines | Food Safety Mantra Blog
25. Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Specifies penalties for misleading advertisements, including alcohol-related campaigns
Legislative Department | Legislative Department | India
26. Alcohol test
27. Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food) Regulations, 2017
28. FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System
https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/about-flrs
29. Food Import Clearance System
30. ReFoM portal
https://sites.fssai.gov.in/refom/
31. Food safety and standard (Import) Regulation, 2017
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Food_Import_Regulations_05_06_2022.pdf
32. Microbiological standards
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/20_%20Appendix%20B.pdf
33. Shipment declaration
34. ISO 5555: Standard for testing phenolic compounds in wines
35. ISO 15192: Standard for beer quality testing, including compounds like esters and aldehydes
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