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[Cites 0, Cited by 4] [Entire Act]

Union of India - Section

Section 32 in The Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955

32. Every prepackaged food to carry a label.

(a)General - (1) Prepackaged food shall not be described or presented on any label or in any labelling manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character in any respect.
(2)Label in prepackaged foods shall be applied in such a manner that they will not become separated from the container.
(3)Contents on the label shall be clear, prominent, indelible and readily legible by the consumer under normal condition of purchase and use.
(4)Where the container is covered by a wrapper, the wrapper shall carry the necessary information or the label on the container shall be readily legible through the outer wrapper or not obscured by it.
(b)Labelling of prepackaged foods .-Every package of food shall carry the following information on the label.
(1)The name of the food .-The name of the food shall include trade name or description of food contained in the package.
(2)List of ingredients .-Except for single ingredient foods, a list of ingredients shall be declared on the label in the following manner:- -
(i)the list of ingredients shall contain an appropriate title, such as the term "ingredients";
(ii)the name of ingredients used in the product shall be listed in descending order of their composition by weight or volume, as the case may be, at the time of its manufacture;
(iii)where an ingredient itself is the product of two or more ingredients, such a compound ingredient shall be declared in the list of ingredients, and shall be accompanied by a list, in brackets, of its ingredients in descending order of weight or volume, as case may be:
Provided that where a compound ingredient, constitutes less than five percent of the food, the list of ingredients of the compound ingredient, other than food additive;
(iv)added water shall be declared in the list of ingredients except in cases where the water forms part of an ingredient, such as, brine, syrup or broth, used in the compound food and so declared in the list of ingredients:
Provided that water or other volatile ingredients evaporated in the course of manufacture need not to be declared:Provided further that in the case of dehydrated or condensed food, which are intended to be reconstituted by addition of the water the ingredient in such reconstituted food shall be declared in descending order of weight or volume as case may be, and shall contain a statement such as "ingredients of the product when prepared in accordance with the directions on the label";
(v)every package of food sold as a mixture or combination shall disclose the percentage of the ingredient used at the time of the manufacture of the food (including compound ingredients or categories of ingredients), if such ingredient-
(A)is emphasised as present on the label through words or pictures or graphics; or
(B)is not within the name of the food but, is essential to characterise the food and is expected to be present in the food by consumers, if the omission of the quantitative ingredient declaration will mislead or deceive the consumer:
Provided that where the ingredient has been used as flavouring agent, the disclosure of such ingredient is not required:Provided further that where the drained net weight is indicated on the label as required or in case of such food products where specific provisions are stipulated under these rules or where an pictorial representation of a serving suggestion is made for consumer information and use, the disclosure of such ingredient is not required;
(vi)the nutritional information or nutritional facts per 100 gm or 100 ml or per serving of the product shall be given on the label containing the following:-
(A)energy value in kcal;
(B)the amounts of protein, carbohydrate (specify quantity of sugar) and fat in gram (g);
(C)the amount of any other nutrient for which a nutrition or health claim is made:
Provided that where a claim is made regarding the amount or type of fatty acids or the amount of cholesterol, the amount of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in gram (g) and cholesterol in milligram (mg) shall be declared, and the amount of trans fatty acid in gram (g) shall be declared in addition to the other requirement stipulated above;
(D)wherever, numerical information on vitamins and minerals is declared, it shall be expressed in metric units;
(E)where the nutrition declaration is made per serving, the amount in gram (g) or milliliter (ml) shall be included for reference beside the serving measure:
Provided that--
(a)the nutritional information may not be necessary, in case of foods such as raw agricultural commodities, like, wheat, rice, cereals, spices, spice mixes, herbs, condiments, table salt, sugar, jaggery, or non-nutritive products, like, soluble tea, coffee, soluble coffee, coffee-chicory mixture, packaged drinking water, packaged mineral water, alcoholic beverages or fruit and vegetables, processed and pre-packaged assorted vegetables, fruits, vegetables and products' that comprise of single ingredient, pickles, papad, or foods served for immediate consumption such as served in hospitals, hotels or by food services vendors or halwais, or food shipped in bulk which is not for sale in that form to consumers;
(b)the compliance to quantity of declared nutrients on the label shall be according to the established practices.
Explanation .-For the purpose of this provision, 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 nutrients;
(c)the food, in which hydrogenated vegetable fats or bakery shortening is used shall declare on the label that "hydrogenated vegetable fats or bakery shortening used-contains trans fats":
Provided further that, a health claim of "trans fat free" may be made in cases where the trans fat is less than 0.2 gm per serving of food and the claim "saturated fat free" may be made in cases where the saturated fat does not exceed 0.1 gm per 100 gm or 100 ml of food.Explanation .-For the purposes of this provision,--
(i)"nutrition claim" means any representation which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular nutritional properties which is not limited to the energy value but include the protein, fat and carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals;
(ii)"health claims" means any representation that states, suggests or implies that a relationship exists between a food or a constituent of that food and health and include the nutrition claims which describes the physiological role of the nutrient in growth, development and normal functions of the body; other functional claims concerning specific beneficial effect of the consumption of food or its constituents, in the context of the total diet on normal function or biological activities of the body and such claims relate to a positive contribution to health or to the improvement of function or to modifying or preserving health, or disease risk reduction claim relating to the consumption of a food or food constituents, in the context of the total diet to the reduced risk of developing a disease or health-related condition;
(iii)"risk reduction" in the context of health claims means significantly altering a major risk factor for a disease or health-related condition:
Substituted by G.S.R. 664 (E), dated 19th September, 2008, for paragraph (2) (w.e.f. 19-3-2009). Paragraph (2), before substitution, stood as under:"(2) List of Ingredients- A list of ingredients shall be declared on the label and shall be in the following manner:(i) the list of ingredients shall contain an appropriate title, such as the term "ingredients";(ii) the names of ingredients used in the product shall be mentioned in descending order in respect of their composition, by weight or volume, as the case may be;(iii) every package of food sold as a mixture or combination shall disclose the ingoing percentage, by weight or volume as may be appropriate, of any ingredient at the time of the manufacture of the food (including compound ingredients or categories of ingredients) and if such ingredient, -(A) is emphasized as present on the label through words or pictures or graphics; or(B) is essential to characterize the food in order to distinguish the food from other categories of food with which it may be confused; or(C) is emphasized as ingredients in the name of the food; or(D) the disclosure of which is deemed to be necessary to enhance the health of consumers or to prevent consumers from being deceived, or(E) is the subject of an express claim about the presence of any fruits, vegetables, whole grains or added sugars:Provided that the above disclosure is not required where ingredient comprises less than two per cent of the total weight of the product and has been used for the purposes of flavouring:(iv) the complete nutritional information per 100 gm of the product shall be given on the label containing the following:-(A) information on energy value shall be expressed in Kcal per 100 gm or per 100 ml;(B) information on the amounts of protein, carbohydrate and fat in the food shall be expressed in gm per 100 gm or per 100 ml;(C) the amount and/or type of fatty acids (including amount of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty adds and trans fatty acids) and cholesterol in gm per 100 gm or per 100 ml:(D) numerical information on vitamins and minerals shall be expressed in metric units per 100 gm or per 100 ml;(v) where an ingredient is itself the product of two or more ingredients, such a compound ingredient may be declared, as such, in the list of ingredients, and shall be accompanied by a list, in brackets, of its ingredients in descending order of weight:Provided that where a compound ingredient for which a name has been established in these rules constitutes less than 5 per cent of the food, the ingredients other than food additives which serve a technological function in the finished product need not to be declared;(vi) added water shall be declared in the list of ingredients except when the water forms part of an ingredient such as brine, syrup or broth used in a compound food and declared as such in the list of ingredients:Provided that water or other volatile ingredients evaporated in the course of manufactured need not to be declared:Provided further that in the case of dehydrated or condensed food, which are intended to be reconstituted by the addition of water only, the ingredients may be listed in order of weight in the reconstituted product and shall contain a statement such as ingredients of the product when prepared in accordance with the directions on the label."
[***]
First and second provisos omitted by G.S.R. 491(E), dated 21st August, 2006 and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518(E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70(E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383(E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730(E), dated 13th October, 2008 (w.e.f. 18-3-2009). The first and second provisos, before omission, stood as under:"Provided that in the case of artificial flavouring substances, the label may not declare the chemical names of the flavours, but in the case of natural flavouring substances or nature-identical flavouring substances, the common name of flavours shall be mentioned on the label:Provided further that whenever any article of food contains whole or part of any animal including birds and fresh water or marine animals or eggs as an ingredient, a declaration to this effect shall be made by a symbol and colour code so stipulated for this purpose to indicate that the product is Non-Vegetarian Food. The symbol shall consist of a circle with a single chord passing through its centre from top left hand side to the right diagonally as indicated below:-The symbol shall be displayed in prominent red colour on the package having contrast background and shall have width of circumference equal to the width of the letters used in the name or brand name of the product and diameter equal to the height of the letters used for the name or brand name of the product. The symbol shall be displayed just above the name or brand name of the product and approximately to its centre and shall form an integral part of the name or brand name of any article of Non-Vegetarian Food, to be indicated wherever the name or brand name shall be displayed, including labels, containers as well as in pamphlets, leaflets, advertisements in any media, etc.The symbol and colour code used to indicate nature of the food as Non-Vegetarian, shall be published/displayed extensively by the manufacturers, or packers or sellers, so as to reach the entire population irrespective of their literacy status.".
Provided also that when any article of food contains whole or part of any animal including birds, fresh water or marine animals or eggs or product of any animal origin, but not including milk or milk products, as an ingredient,-
(a)a declaration to this effect shall be made by a symbol and colour code so stipulated for this purpose to indicate that the product is Non-Vegetarian Food. The symbol shall consist of a brown colour filled circle having a diameter not less than the minimum size specified in the Table given below, inside the square with brown outline having side double the diameter of the circle, as indicated in clause (16) of sub-rule (zzz) of rule 42;
Table
Sl. No. Area of principal displaypanel Minimum size of diameter in mm
1. Upto 100 cms square 3
2. Above 100 cms square upto500 cms square 4
3. Above 500 cms square upto2500 cms square 6
4. Above 2500 cms square 8
(b)the symbol shall be prominently displayed,-
(i)on the package having contrast background on principal display panel,
(ii)just close in proximity to the name or brand name of the product, and
(iii)on the labels, containers, pamphlets, leaflets, advertisements in any media:
Provided also that where any article of food contains egg only as Non-Vegetarian ingredient, the manufacturer, or packer or seller may give declaration to this effect in addition to the said symbol:Provided further that the provisions of these rules shall not apply in respect of any Non-Vegetarian Food which is manufactured and packed without the symbol before the commencement of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2001:Provided also that for all Vegetarian Food,-
(a)declaration to this effect shall be made by a symbol and colour code so stipulated for this purpose to indicate that the product is Vegetarian Food. The symbol shall consist of a green colour filled circle, having a diameter not less than the minimum size specified in the Table given below, inside the square with green outline having side double the diameter of the circle, as indicated in clause (17) of sub-rule (ZZZ) of rule 42;
Table
Sl. No. Area of principal displaypanel Minimum size of diameter in mm
1. Upto 100 cms square 3
2. Above 100 cms square upto500 cms square 4
3. Above 500 cms square upto2500 cms square 6
4. Above 2500 cms square 8
(b)The symbol shall be prominently displayed,-
(i)on the package having contrast background on principal display panel;
(ii)just close in proximity to the name or brand name of the product; and
(iii)on the labels, containers, pamphlets, leaflets, advertisements in any media:
Provided further that the provisions of these rules shall not apply in respect of any Vegetarian Food which is manufactured and packed without the symbol before the commencement of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (9th Amendment) Rules, 2001:Provided also that the provisions of these rules shall not apply in respect of mineral water or packaged drinking water or carbonated water or liquid and powdered milk:Provided further that when statement regarding addition of colours or flavors is displayed on the label in accordance with rule 24 and rule 64BB respectively, addition of such colours or flavours need not be mentioned in the list of ingredients:Provided also that in case both colour and flavour are used in the product, one of the following combined statements in capital letters shall be displayed, just beneath the list of ingredients on the label attached to any package of food so coloured and flavoured, namely:-
(i)CONTAINS PERMITTED NATURAL COLOUR(S) AND ADDED FLAVOUR(S)
OR
(ii)CONTAINS PERMITTED SYNTHETIC FOOD COLOUR(S) AND ADDED FLAVOUR(S)
OR
(iii)CONTAINS PERMITTED NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FOOD COLOUR(S) AND ADDED FLAVOUR(S)
OR
(iv)CONTAINS PERMITTED NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC COLOUR(S) AND ADDED FLAVOUR(S) (for the period upto and inclusive of 1st September, 2001]
(Strike out whichever is not applicable).
Substituted by G.S.R. 491 (E) dated 21st August, 2006 and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518 (E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70 (E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383 (E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730 (E), dated 13th October, 2008 (w.e.f. 18-3-2009). Rule 32, before substitution, stood as under:"32. Package of food to carry a label.- Every package of food shall carry a label and unless otherwise provided in these rules, there shall be specified on every label-(a) the name, trade name or description of food contained in the package;(b) the names of ingredients used in the product in descending order of their composition by weight or volume as the case may be:"
[The common name or class name of the flavour shall also be mentioned on the statement regarding added flavours.] [Inserted by G.S.R. 664 (E), dated 19th September, 2008 (w.e.f. 19-3-2009).]Provided also that whenever Gelatine is used as an ingredient, a declaration to this sweet shall be made on the lebel by inserting the word "Gelatine-Animal Origin."[***]
Paragraph omitted by G.S.R. 491 (E), dated 21st August, 2006 and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518 (E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70 (E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383 (E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730 (E), dated 13th October, 2008 (w.e.f. 18-3-2009). The omitted paragraph, before omission, stood as under:"In case of packages of confectionery weighing 20 gm or less, which are also exempted from the declaration of ingredients, will be exempted from the declaration "Animal Origin" even if it contains Gelatine provided that such declaration shall be given on the multipiece package in such a manner that the same is readable even without opening the package.".
Note. - A specific name shall be used for ingredients in the list of ingredients:
Substituted by G.S.R. 388 (E), dated 25th June, 2004 and as amended by G.S.R. 417 (E), dated 23rd June, 2005 (w.e.f. 25-6-2005), for Note. Note, before substitution, stood as under:'Note.- A specific name shall be used for ingredients in the list of ingredients except that,-(i) for ingredients in the respective classes, the following class titles may be used, namely :-"edible fats, edible oils, spice and condiments, edible starches (except modified starches), vitamin and minerals, salts. However in case of curry powder or mixed masalas whole or other such masala containing spices, either whole or powdered as major ingredient the names of spices used in the product be mentioned on the label in descending order their composition by weight."(ii) for substances falling in the respective classes and appearing in the list of food additives permitted for use in foods generally, the following class titles may be used, namely, anti-oxidants, anti-caking agents, flavour improvers sequestering and buffering agents, bleaching agents, emulsifying and stabilising agents, antifoaming agents, preservatives, colours flavours, vitamins, minerals and edible gums.'
Provided that for ingredients falling in the respective classes the following class titles may be used, namely :-
Name of the classes Class names
Edible vegetable oils Edible vegetable fat Edible vegetable oil/Ediblevegetable fat or both hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil.
Animal fat/oil other thanmilk fat Give name of the source offat. Pork fat, Lard and beef fat or extracts thereof shall be declared byspecific names.
Starches, other thanchemically modified strarches Starch
All species of fish wherethe fish constitutes an ingredient of another food and provided that thelabeling and presentation of such food does not refer to a species of fish. Fish
All types of poultry meatwhere such Poultry meat
Meat constitutes aningredient of another food and provided that the labeling and presentation ofsuch a food does not refer to a specific type of poultry meat.  
All types of cheese wherecheese or mixture of cheeses constitutes an ingredient of another food andprovided that the labeling and presentation of such food does not refer to aspecific type of cheese. Cheese
All spices and condimentsand their extracts Spices and condiments ormixed spices/condiments as appropriate.
All types of gum orpreparations used in the manufacture of gum base for chewing gum. Gum Base
Anhydrous dextrose anddextrose monohydrate Dextrose or Glucose
All types of Caseinates Caseinates
Press, expeller or refinedcocoa butter Cocoa butter
All crystallized fruit Crystallized fruit
All milk and milk productsderived solely from milk Milk solids
Cocoabean, Coconib, Cocomass, Cocoa Cocoa solids: press cakes, Cocoa powder (Fine/Dust) Cocoa solids:
Provided further that for food additives falling in the respective classes, and appearing in lists of food additives permitted for use in foods generally, the following class titles shall be used together with the specific names or recognized international numerical identifications:-Acidity Regulator, Acids, Anticaking Agent, Antifoaming Agent, Antioxidant, Bulking Agent, Colour, Colour Retention Agent, Emulsifier, Emulsifying Salt, Firming Agent, Flour Treatment Agent, Flavour Enhancer, Foaming Agent, Gelling Agent, Glazing Agent, Humectant, Preservative, Propellant, Raising Agent, Stabilizer, Sweetener, Thickener:[Provided also that in case of artificial flavouring substances, the label shall declare the common name of the flavours, but in case of natural flavouring substances or nature identical flavouring substances, the class name of flavours shall be mentioned on the label and it shall comply with the requirement of label declaration as specified under rule 64-BB.] [[Substituted by G.S.R. 664(E), dated 19th September, 2008, for the proviso (w.e.f. 19-3-2009). The proviso, before substitution, stood as under:'Provided also that for declaration of flavours on the label the class of flavours namely, Natural Flavours and Natural Flavouring Substances or Natural-Identical Flavouring Substances or Artificial Flavouring Substances as the case may be, shall be declared on the label.'.]][Provided also that when combined declaration of colours and flavours are given, the international numerical identification number of colours used shall also be indicated either under the list of ingredients or alongwith the declaration:Provided also that pork fat, lard and beef fat or extract thereof shall be declared by their specific names.] [Inserted by G.S.R. 491(E), dated 21st August, 2006 and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518(E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70(E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383(E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730(E), dated 13th October, 2008 (w.e.f. 18-3-2009).]
(c)[(i) The name and complete address of the manufacturer and the manufacturing unit, if these are located at different places and in case the manufacturer is not the packer or bottler, the name and complete address of the packing or bottling unit as the case may be; [Substituted by G.S.R. 877(E), dated 20th November, 2000 (w.e.f. 20-11-2001)]
(ii)where an article of food is manufactured or packed or bottled by a person or a company under the written authority of some other manufacturer or company, under his or its brand name, the label shall carry the name and complete address of the manufacturing or packing or bottling unit as the case may be, and also the name and complete address of the manufacturer or the company, for and on whose behalf it is manufactured or packed or bottled;
(iii)where an article of food is imported into India, the package of food shall also carry the name and complete address of the importer in India:
Provided that where any food article manufactured outside India is packed or bottled in India, the package containing the such food article shall also bear on the label, the name of the country of origin of the food article and the name and complete address of the importer and the premises of the packing or bottling in India.]
(d)(1) The net content by weight or volume or number, as the case may be, shall be declared on every package of food; and
(2)in addition to the declaration of net contents, a food packed in a liquid medium shall carry a declaration of the drained weight of the food.Explanation 1.-For the purposes of this requirement the expression "liquid medium" include the water, aqueous solutions of sugar and salt, fruit and vegetable juices or vinegar, either singly or in combination.Explanation 2.-In declaring the net quantity of the commodity contained in the package, the weight of the wrappers and packaging materials shall be excluded:Provided that where a package contains a large number of small items of confectionery, each of which is separately wrapped and it is not reasonably practicable to exclude from the net weight of the commodity, the weight of such immediate wrappers of all the items of the confectionery contained in the package, the net weight declared on the package containing such confectionery or on the label thereof may include the weight of such immediate wrapper if the total weight of such immediate wrapper does not exceed-
(i)eight per cent. where such immediate wrapper is a waxed paper or other paper with wax or aluminium foil under strip; or
(ii)six per cent. in case of other paper, of the total net weight of all the items of confectionery contained in the package minus the weight of immediate wrapper.
Substituted by G.S.R. 664(E), dated 19th September, 2008, for clause (d) (w.e.f. 19-3-2009). Earlier clause (d) was substituted by G.S.R. 491(E), dated 21st August, 2006, and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518(E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70(E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383(E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730(E), dated 13th October, 2008 (w.e.f. 18-3-2009). Clause (d), before substitution by G.S.R. 664(E), stood as under:'(d) Net contents and drained weight-(1) The net weight or number or measure of volume of contents as the circumstances may require shall be declared on the label.(2) The net contents shall be declared-(a) for liquid foods, by volume;(b) for solid foods, by weight;(c) for semi-solid and viscous foods, either by weight or volume.(3) In addition to the declaration of net contents, a food packed in a liquid medium shall carry a declaration in the metric system of the drained weight of the food:Provided that liquid medium will include but shall not be limited to water, aqueous solutions of sugar and salt, fruit and vegetable juices, canned fruits, or vegetables only, or vinegar, either singly or in combination.
(e)Lot/Code/Batch Identification .-A Batch number or Code number or Lot number which is a mark of identification by which the food can be traced in the manufacture and identified in the distribution, shall be given on the label:
[Provided that in case of packages containing bread and milk including sterilised milk, particulars under this clause shall not be required to be given on the label.] [Inserted by G.S.R. 664(E), dated 19th September, 2008 (w.e.f. 19-3-2009).]
(f)Date of manufacture or packing .-The date, month and year in which the commodity is manufactured, packed or pre-packed, shall be given on the label:
Provided that the month and the year of manufacture, packing or pre-packing shall be given if the "Best Before Date" of the products is more than three months:Provided further that in case any package contains commodity which has a short shelf life of less than three months, the date, month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or prepared or pre-packed shall be mentioned on the label.
(g)Use by date/recommended last consumption date/expiry date .-The use by date/recommended last consumption date/expiry date shall be given,-
(i)in case of package of Aspertame, which shall be not more than three years from the date of packing;
(ii)in case of infant milk substitute and infant foods.
Substituted by G.S.R. 491(E), dated 21st August, 2006 and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518(E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70(E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383(E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730(E), dated 13th October, 2008, for clauses (e), (f) and (g) (w.e.f. 18-3-2009). Clause (e), (f) and (g), before substitution, stood as under:(e) A distinctive batch number or lot number or code number, either in numericals or alphabets or in combination, representing the batch number or lot number or code number being preceded by the words 'Batch No". or "Batch"or Lot No".or, Lot or any distinguishing prefix.Provided, that in case of canned food, the batch number may be given at the bottom, or on the lid of the container, but the words "Batch No", given at the bottom or on the lid, shall appear on the body of the container.(f) the month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or prepacked;Provided that in case of package weighting 20 g or less and liquid products marketed in bottles which are recycled for refilling, particulars under clause (b) need not be specified.Provided also that such declarations shall be given on the label of multipiece package either on the label of multipiece package or in a separate slip inside the multipiece package in such a manner that the same is readable even without opening the package.Provided further that in case of carbonated water containers and the packages of biscuits, confectionery and sweets, containing more than 60g, but not more than 120g, and food packages weighing not more than 60g. particulars under clauses (d) and (e) need not be specified.Provided also that in case of packages containing bread and milk including sterilised milk, particulars under clause (e) need not be specified.Provided also that in case of any package containing bread or liquid milk, sterilized or Ultra High Temperature treated milk, Soya milk, flavoured milk, any package containing dhokla, bhelpuri, pizza, doughnuts, khoa, paneer or any uncanned package of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish or any other like commodity which has a short shelf life, the date, month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or prepared or prepacked shall be mentioned, on the label:Provided also that in case of package containing confectionery weighing 20g. or less, the particulars under this clause need not be specified."(g) The date of expiry in case of packages of aspertame which shall not be more than three years from the date of packing.
(h)Irradiated foods .-The label of a food, which has been treated with ionizing radiation, shall carry a written statement indicating the treatment in close proximity to the name of the food.
Substituted by G.S.R. 664(E), dated 19th September, 2008, for clause (h) (w.e.f. 19-3-2009). Earlier clause (h) was substituted by G.S.R. 491(E), dated 21st August, 2006 and read with corrigendum G.S.R. 518(E), dated 31st July, 2007, G.S.R. 70(E), dated 5th February, 2008, G.S.R. 383(E), dated 16th May, 2008, G.S.R. 730(E), dated 13th October, 2008 (w.e.f. 18-3-2009). Clause (h), before substitution by G.S.R. 664(E), stood as under:(h) Irradiated foods-(1) The label of a food, which has been treated with ionizing radiation, shall carry a written statement indicating the treatment in close proximity to the name of the food.(2) The use of the international food irradiation symbol, as shown below shall be in close proximity to the name or brand name of the food.(3) When an irradiated product is used as an ingredient in another food, this shall be so declared in the list of ingredients.(4) When a single ingredient product is prepared from a raw material which has been irradiated, the label of the product shall contain a statement indicating the treatment.(5) The licence number of irradiated units shall be declared on the label."
(i)[ The month and year in capital letters upto which the product is best for consumption, in the following manner, namely:- [Inserted by G.S.R. 537(E), dated 13th June, 2000 (w.e.f. 1-9-2000). Earlier clause (i) was inserted by G.S.R. 380(E), dated 25th June, 1998 (w.e.f. 9-7-1998) and omitted by G.S.R. 769(E), dated 15th November, 1999.]
“BEST BEFORE.....................MONTHS AND YEAR”
OR
“BEST BEFORE.......................MONTHS FROMPACKAGING”
OR
“BEST BEFORE.......................MONTHS FROMMANUFACTURE”
OR
“BEST BEFORE UPTO MONTH AND YEAR........” } [For theperiodupto andinclusiveof1stSeptember,2001:]
OR
BEST BEFORE WITHIN........................MONTHS
FROM THE DATE OF PACKING/MANUFACTURE”
(Note. - Blank be filled up)Provided that in case of wholesale packages the particulars under clauses (b), (f), (g), (h) and this clause need not be specified:Provided further that in case of package or bottle containing sterilised or Ultra High Temperature treated milk, soya milk, flavoured milk, any package containing bread, dhokla, bhelpuri, pizza, doughnuts, khoa, paneer or any uncanned package of fruits, vegetable, meat, fish or any other like commodity, the declaration be made as follows:-
“BEST BEFORE.....................DATE/MONTH/YEAR”
“BEST BEFORE.......................DATE/MONTH/YEAR”
OR
“BEST BEFORE.......................DAYS FROM PACKING”
OR
“BEST BEFORE.......................DAYS FROMMANUFACTURE” } [For theperiodupto andinclusiveof1stSeptember,2001:]
OR
“BEST BEFORE UPTO.......................DATE/MONTH/YEAR”
“BEST BEFORE WITHIN........................DAYS FROM THEDATE OF PACKING/MAUFACTURE”
Note:- (i) Blank be filled up.
(ii)Month and year may be used in numerals.
(iii)Year may be given in two digits:
[* * *]Provided also that the above declaration of best before consumption shall not be applicable to the packages of aspartame and infant milk substitute and infant food:[Provided also that the declaration of best before date for consumption shall be not applicable to:-
(a)wines and liquors;
(b)alcoholic beverages containing 10 per cent or more by volume of alcohol.]
[Provided also that in case of any bottle containing liquid milk or liquid beverage having milk as an ingredient, soft drink, carbonated water or ready-to-serve fruit beverages, the declarations with regard to addition of fruit pulp and fruit juice as well as the "date of manufacture" and "best before date" shall invariably appear on the body of the bottle:Provided also that in case of returnable bottle which are recycled for refilling, where the label declarations are given on the crown, the declaration referred to in the above proviso, with regard to addition to fruit pulp and fruit juice shall be enforced as per the Schedule given below. The bottles on which the year of manufacture is not embossed, the date of replacing such bottle shall be, the 1st day of April, 2008.