Food labeling and package design laws are strictly enforced by government authorities worldwide. The FSSAI is the authority in India that requires food labeling standards. Whenever a new food product is introduced, or the packaging is updated, the producer must follow FSSAI requirements for food labeling.

With so many FSSAI label standards in place, mistakes are always possible. Any unintended violation of FSSAI food labeling standards may result in fines, penalties, product recalls, or product launch delays. However, understanding the FSSAI labeling standards may steer your goods clear of all of these.

New FSSAI Packaging Guidelines

Because of the importance of packaging in the food industry and its influence on food safety, FSSAI has devised specific packaging laws for acquiring an FSSAI License online. The new packaging standards have been separated from the labeling regulations, and there will be a distinct Scientific Panel for food packaging.

Objectives of New FSSAI Packaging Guidelines

The fundamental goal of packaging is to protect food from microbiological, chemical, physical, and atmospheric contamination, as well as to preserve food and hence safeguard customer health.

Good packaging also guarantees that food's sensory characteristics or composition do not alter when packed.

Packaging is vital for increasing food safety, extending shelf life, and thereby improving food security.

FSSAI Packaging Regulations

In addition to general and specialized requirements for packaging materials, the regulations prescribe overall and specific migration limitations of pollutants for plastic packaging materials. Furthermore, the standards establish a recommended list of packaging materials for specific food product categories. According to these laws, the packaging materials used for packing or storing food goods must meet the Indian Standards listed in the schedules.

• Regulations

These rules are known as the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. They will enter into force on the date they are published in the Official Gazette, and Food Business Operators must comply with all of the conditions of these rules by July 1st, 2019.

• Act

The Food Safety & Standards Act of 2006. The process of FSSAI License Online follows the rules and regulations held under the aforementioned Act.

• Food Grade

This implies a material composed of safe and appropriate components for their intended purpose. It will not damage human health or result in an undesirable change in the composition of the food or organoleptic properties.

• Food packaging with many layers or composites 

It implies a food packaging material consisting of two or more layers of packaging materials of the same or different types defined in these standards.

• The total migration limit 

It indicates the maximum quantity of non-volatile chemicals authorized to be emitted from a material or commodity into food simulants;

• Container or packaging 

It implies a pre-packaged box, bottle, casket, tin, barrel, case, pouch, container, sack, bag, wrapper, or other items in which food is packed;

• Material for packing 

It denotes materials used for food packaging such as cardboard, paper, glass, metal, plastic, and multi-layer packaging material;

• First food packaging

It means packing material that comes into contact with food;

• Supplementary food packing

It means packaging material that encloses the primary food packing but has no direct contact with food goods;

• Particular migration restriction

It indicates the maximum quantity of a specific substance authorized to be released from a material or product into food or food simulants.

All other terms and phrases used herein but not mentioned shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Act, rules, or regulations established thereunder.
 

General Requirements

• Every food company operator must verify that the packaging material used complies with the following regulations: Where Indian Standards are not accessible, comparable International Standards may be followed.
• Any material used for packing, preparing, storage, wrapping, transit, sale, or service of food that comes directly with or is likely to come into contact with food must be of food-grade quality.
• Packaging materials must be appropriate for the type of product, storage circumstances, equipment for filling, sealing, and packaging food, and transportation conditions.
• Materials used in packaging must be able to endure mechanical, chemical, and thermal stresses experienced during routine transit. For example, overwrap packaging may be required for flexible or semi-rigid containers.
• Food goods must be put in a sanitary, tamper-proof box or container.
• The sealing material should be suitable for the product and the containers and the closure mechanisms utilized for the containers.
• Once used, tin containers should not be reused for food packaging.
• Plastic containers with a capacity of 5 liters or more and glass bottles used for food packing must be sufficiently robust and straightforward to clean or disinfect.
• Printing inks for food packaging must comply with IS: 15495.
• Food products must not come into direct touch with the printed surface of packaging material.
• Newspaper or similar materials should not be used for food storage and packaging.
• In the event of multilayer packaging, the layer in direct connection with food or layers likely to come into contact with food must fulfil the packaging material standards established in Schedules I, II, and III of these rules.
• The materials indicated in Schedules I, II, and III of these rules must be compatible with their intended use as packaging materials so that the quality & safety of the food product are not compromised.
• Every food business operator must acquire a certification of conformity issued by a NABL-qualified laboratory in accordance with these requirements for any packaging material that comes into direct connection with food or layers that are likely to come into contact with food.

Requirements for Primary Food Packaging

• Paper and board materials that will come into touch with food product
• The paper and board must be consistent in shape, thickness, and composition.
• It must be devoid of noticeable imperfections such as spots, grease stains, cuts, pinholes, and other flaws.
• The paper used to make boxes, cartons, plates, cups, and paper lids, as well as paper that will come into direct connection with food, must be of food quality and devoid of pollutants.
• Paper and board materials used to manufacture containers for packing or storing food goods must meet one of the Indian standards listed in Schedule I.

FSSAI License Online Registration Process

The FSSAI License Online registration process involves the following steps-

• FBOs can receive FSSAI licenses online by completing and submitting Form A (application for Registration) or Form B (application for State and Central License) on the FoSCoS site. In addition, offline Registration is possible for FBOs by filing Form A or Form B to the concerned office.
• The relevant documents must be filed with the FSSAI form. The papers must be posted online on the FoSCos portal at the time of application submission or physically provided to the Food and Safety Department together with the application.
• The Department has seven days from the date of an application, either offline or online through the FoSCoS portal, to accept or reject the FSSAI license form. If the application is rejected, the applicant must be notified in writing.
• The Department will review the papers provided.
• The Department may examine the food facilities if required before issuing the FSSAI registration certificate.
• If the Department decides that the FBO suits all of the specified requirements, it will grant an FSSAI certificate with the registration number & the applicant's email ID. Connecting to the FoSCoS portal permits the applicant to get the FSSAI registration certificate.
• The FSSAI certificate shall be conspicuously displayed during business hours at the FBO.

Documents

The documents that need to be submitted for FSSAI License online registration for packaging are-

• Operators of food establishments must provide photo IDs.
• Certificates of the business constitution, like a partnership agreement, incorporation certificate, shop and establishment License, or other registration certificates.
• Evidence of premises possession, like a rental deed, a letter of authorization from the owner of the mentioned premises, utility bills, and so on.
• Plan for a food safety management system.
• A list of food products that have been processed or produced.
• Details of a bank account.
• Supporting documentation includes a Municipality or Panchayat NOC, a Health NOC, a copy of the manufacturer's License, and so on.
• Form B has been fully completed & signed.
• Plan of the processing unit displaying dimensions and operational area allocation
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with address, contact information, and picture ID
• Name and list of used equipment and machinery, including the number and installed capacity
• A responsible person's name and address were designated in an authority letter from the manufacturer.
• A water analysis report must be utilized in the process to validate portability.
• Copies of certificates received under the Coop Act of 1861, and the Multi-State Coop Act of 2002
• Form B has been fully completed & signed.
• Plan of the processing unit displaying dimensions and operational area allocation
• List of Directors/Partners/Proprietors with address, contact information, and picture ID
• Name and list of used equipment and machinery, including the number and installed capacity
• A responsible person's name and address were designated in an authority letter from the manufacturer.
• A water analysis report must be utilized in the process to validate portability.
• Source of raw materials for milk, meat, and other products
• Wherever possible, use a recall strategy.
• 100% EOU Ministry of Commerce Certificate
• FSSAI provided NOC/PA paperwork
• DGFT has produced an IE code paper.
• Form IX
• Ministry of Tourism Certificate
• Documentation supporting verification of turnover and transportation
• Form of Declaration

Conclusion

Every food operator that manufactures, distributes, or sells food items must get an FSSAI Registration or License.

FSSAI Registration differs from FSSAI License in that FBO should get the relevant registration or License based on the size and type of the business. The 14-digit registration number contains details on the assembly state & the producer's permit. Food Safety & Standards govern the licensing and registration process and regulations.