UPSC Prelims 2016 Q34: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
With reference to pre - packaged items in India, it is mandatory to 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. Recommendations, 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.
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1, 2 and 4
- (d) 1 and 4 only
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation
Mandatory labelling of pre-packaged items
The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 were issued by FSSAI.
| Information on the main label | Mandatory? |
|---|---|
| 1. List of ingredients including additives | Yes |
| 2. Nutrition information | Yes |
| 3. Recommendations made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions | No |
| 4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian | Yes (green or brown symbol) |
Other mandatory details:
| Detail | Example |
|---|---|
| Name of the food | As commonly known |
| Manufacturer | Name and complete address |
| Quantity | Net weight or volume |
| Dates | Date of manufacture; best before or use by |
| Batch | Lot or code number |
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Item 3 is not required, and the vegetarian/non-vegetarian mark is left out.
- (b) Incorrect. Medical recommendations on allergic reactions are not mandatory on the label.
- (c) CORRECT. Ingredients, nutrition information and the vegetarian/non-vegetarian mark are mandatory.
- (d) Incorrect. Nutrition information is also mandatory, so item 2 must be included.
Key point
FSSAI labelling (2011 Regulations): ingredients with additives, nutrition information, vegetarian/non-vegetarian symbol, manufacturer, net quantity, batch and dates.
Remember
Label: ingredients, nutrition, veg or non-veg mark.
Common mistakes
- Assuming allergy advice from doctors must be printed on every pack.
- Forgetting the green and brown symbols for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
- Leaving out nutrition information, which is compulsory.
Exam tip
Labels carry facts about the food, not medical opinions.
Sources
- Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India — Labelling requirements