Does an FSSAI Licence Mean the Label Numbers Are Checked?

When you pick up a packet of biscuits or a box of breakfast cereal, you might notice the FSSAI licence number printed on the back and feel a sense of security, assuming the numbers in the nutrition table have been verified for accuracy. In reality, that licence number is a registration of the business, not a stamp of approval on the specific nutritional values listed on the packaging. To navigate the grocery aisle with confidence, start by checking the "per 100 g" column on the physical pack, comparing similar products across different brands, and always trusting the printed label over information found on shopping apps.

Understanding the FSSAI Licence

For many of us, the FSSAI logo and licence number on a food packet act as a shorthand for "safety" and "accuracy." It is easy to assume that before a product reaches the shelf, a regulatory body has tested the contents to ensure the protein, fat, or sugar counts are exactly as stated.

The FSSAI licence number is a permit to do business, not a pre-market verification of the nutrition facts table. The system is designed to hold the manufacturer accountable for what they print, rather than having a regulator review every label before it hits the market.

Who is Responsible for Nutrition Labels?

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, nutritional information per 100g or 100ml or per serving must be provided on the label¹.

This means that when you see a nutrition table on a box of oats or a packet of snacks, those numbers are the brand’s own declaration. They must include energy value, protein, carbohydrates, total sugars, added sugars, and fats^2,3. Because this declaration is brand-specific, you might notice that two different brands of the same staple, like sooji or rava, show different nutritional profiles.

How Label Accuracy is Regulated

If the authorities aren't checking every label before it hits the shelf, how do we know the numbers are honest? The regulation of these labels relies on a system of compliance and accountability rather than pre-approval.

According to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, packaged food labels must provide nutritional information either per 100 g, per 100 ml, or per single consumption pack^2,3. This must include the energy value and the amounts of key nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats^2,3.

Crucially, the law acknowledges that food is a natural product and can have variations. At the time of analysis, due consideration, based on shelf-life, storage, and inherent nature of the food shall be kept in view in case of quantity declared nutrients¹.

The system uses post-market surveillance. If a product is found to be misbranded—meaning the label is misleading or inaccurate beyond acceptable limits—the FBO can face significant penalties. This legal framework is intended to discourage companies from providing inaccurate information.

Smart Shopping: Tips for Reading Nutrition Tables

Reading labels can feel like a chore, but it is a powerful way to support your health goals. If you are managing a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is essential to plan any significant dietary changes with your doctor or a registered dietitian. To read labels like a pro, keep these practical steps in mind:

• Check the Basis of Measurement: Nutritional information per 100g or 100ml or per single consumption pack of the product shall be given on the label^2,3. Where the nutrition declaration is made per serving, the amount in gram (g) or milliliter (ml) shall be included for reference beside the serving measure¹.
• Compare Across Brands: If you are buying a staple like atta or dals, compare the nutrition tables of different brands to understand the nutritional profile of the products you choose.
• Understand the Terms: Remember that "sugars" include all monosaccharides and disaccharides, while "added sugars" specifically refers to those added during processing^2,3. "Fat" includes total lipids, including saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats^2,3.
• Look for RDA: Some labels provide a percentage contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is calculated based on a 2000 kcal energy, 67 g total fat, 22 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat, 50 g added sugar and 2000 mg of sodium requirement for average adult per day^2,3.

When to Trust the Pack Over the App

In our digital age, we often check the nutrition facts on shopping apps before adding items to our cart. However, these digital listings are often managed by third parties or automated systems, which can lead to transcription errors.

If the numbers on a shopping app differ from the printed label on the physical pack, always trust the physical pack. Typing or printing mistakes can occur when data is transferred from a label to a digital platform. If you find a product that seems consistently or egregiously mislabelled, you have the right to report it to the FSSAI through their official consumer grievance channels.

"The FSSAI licence number is a registration of the business, not a stamp of approval on the specific nutritional values listed on the packaging."

By taking a few extra seconds to look past the logo and examine the actual table on the back of the pack, you move from being a passive shopper to an informed one. This week, try picking up two similar items from your pantry—like two types of papad or spice mixes—and compare their nutrition tables per 100 g. It is a simple habit that helps you understand exactly what is going into your home-cooked meals.