Question 60 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Science and
Technology

Question

With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory for the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011?
1. List of ingredients including additives
2. Nutrition information
3. Recommendation, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions
4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1, 2, and 4

Strategy: - Evaluate each statement based on mandatory Indian food labeling regulations.
- Identify Statements 1 (ingredients), 2 (nutrition), and 4 (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) as foundational and likely mandatory.
- Eliminate Statement 3, as requiring medical recommendations for allergens is not a standard labeling obligation for manufacturers.

Key Info: The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 (now updated by FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020) were enacted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These regulations outline mandatory information to be displayed on pre-packaged food labels to ensure consumer safety and informed choices.

**Key Mandatory Labelling Requirements**
*   **Name of the Food:** Clearly specifying the product.
*   **List of Ingredients:** In descending order of proportion by weight or volume, including food additives by their class name or specific name/INS number.
*   **Nutritional Information:** Per 100g or 100ml or per serving, including energy, protein, carbohydrate (sugars), fat.
*   **Declaration of Vegetarian/Non-vegetarian:** Symbolized by a green circle in a square for vegetarian food and a brown circle in a square for non-vegetarian food.
*   **Net Quantity:** Stated in weight, volume, or number.
*   **Date Marking:** Including date of manufacture, packaging, expiry, or best before.
*   **Batch/Lot/Code Number:** For traceability.
*   **Name and Address of Manufacturer/Packer/Bottler:** Or importer for imported food.
*   **FSSAI Logo and License Number:** Indicating regulatory approval.
*   **Country of Origin:** For imported foods.

While declaration of specific allergens (e.g., nuts, soy, milk) is often required as part of ingredient listing or separate warnings, the explicit 'recommendation, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions' is not a mandatory labeling requirement imposed on manufacturers. Manufacturers are responsible for disclosing ingredients and potential allergens, but providing medical advice falls outside their regulatory purview for product labeling.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 3

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2, 3, and 4

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1 and 4 only