Overview of Clause 5(4)(C) of Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulation:
This regulation mandates clear identification of pre-packaged foods as either vegetarian or non-vegetarian. This regulation helps consumers make informed dietary choices in alignment with their preferences and beliefs.
A) Declaration of Vegetarian Food
A product is considered vegetarian if it contains only plant-based ingredients, including all food additives, enzymes, and processing aids.
Required Label Symbol:
B) Declaration of Non-Vegetarian Food
A product is classified as non-vegetarian if it contains ingredients derived from animals, including meat, poultry, fish, egg, or animal-derived food additives. Required Label Symbol:
C) Symbol Size Specifications
The size of the vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol depends on the total area of the principal display panel (PDP). This ensures visibility across all packaging sizes.
Size of the Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian Logo:
SI. No. | Area of Principal Display Panel (cm²) | Min. Diameter of Circle (mm) | Min. Side of Triangle (mm) | Min. Side of Square (mm) |
1 | Up to 100 | 3 mm | 2.5 mm | 6 mm |
2 | 101 to 500 | 4 mm | 3.5 mm | 8 mm |
3 | 501 to 2500 | 6 mm | 5 mm | 12 mm |
4 | Above 2500 | 8 mm | 7 mm | 16 mm |
D) Declaration regarding Veg. or Non-Veg shall also be prominently displayed as provided in this regulation on the pamphlets, leaflets and advertisements in any media.The symbol shall be prominently displayed on the package having contrast background on principal display panel, just close in proximity to the name or brand name of the production front of pack.
Penalty for non-compliance:
Any person who whether by himself or by any other person on his behalf manufactures for sale or stores or sells or distributes or imports any article of food for human consumption which is misbranded, shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to three lakh rupees.
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