In early May 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a clarification circular on allergen declaration formats for packaged foods, tightening rules on font size, placement and language specificity. The new standard becomes mandatory from 15 June 2026.
Food processors and packaged-food exporters must audit and re-label existing stock within two weeks to avoid seizure at retail and customs checkpoints.
Market signals
FSSAI now mandates allergen warnings in a minimum 4-point font, in a contrasting box, and in both English and the product's primary language. Many existing labels fail this standard.
The circular extends mandatory declaration to tree nuts, sesame, and sulphites at thresholds as low as 20 ppm—tighter than previous guidance and affecting spice blends, baked goods and dried fruits.
Compliance is now a pre-condition for port clearance; non-compliant batches flagged by FSSAI inspectors will be held or rejected, directly affecting export timelines and working capital.
Food processors must treat this as a mandatory packaging redesign exercise, not a label tweak. The 15 June deadline falls within the compliance window for stock already in the supply chain. Failure to update carries penalties under Section 92 of the FSS Act (up to ₹5 lakh) and product seizure. Vinayakam Consultants advises clients to conduct immediate label audits, coordinate with printers for reprinting timelines, and formally document allergen assessment and testing records—this paper trail is critical during FSSAI inspection and export clearance.
Your action checklist
- Audit all current SKU labels against the new FSSAI allergen format circular; flag non-compliant packs and set a reprinting schedule before 12 June.
- Re-test finished products for declared allergens and undeclared cross-contact; retain lab reports and batch-wise documentation for regulatory inspection.
- Brief your label printer and packaging vendor on the new font, box placement and bilingual requirements; confirm turnaround time for reprinting.
- Notify your export partner / customs broker of the change and confirm compliance status before submitting shipping documents; delay in port clearance is costly.
Frequently asked questions
The new mandatory allergen declaration format becomes effective from 15 June 2026. Food processors must re-label existing stock within two weeks to avoid seizure.
FSSAI now mandates allergen warnings in minimum 4-point font, placed in a contrasting box, and declared in both English and the product's primary language.
Non-compliance carries penalties up to ₹5 lakh under Section 92 of the FSS Act, plus product seizure at retail and customs checkpoints.