In early May 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a revised notification tightening allergen declaration requirements for all packaged foods. Effective 30 June 2026, processors must display a consolidated allergen statement on the principal display panel in a specified font size and contrast ratio.
Non-compliance attracts penalties up to ₹10 lakh and product seizure. For SME processors and contract manufacturers, this is an immediate audit and re-labelling priority.
Market signals
FSSAI now requires a single, clearly delineated allergen box on the front label—not scattered across multiple panels. This applies to all 14 major allergens (cereals, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, soy, mustard, celery, sulphites, lupin).
Allergen text must be minimum 3 mm height and achieve 4.5:1 contrast ratio against background. Hindi and regional-language labels must meet identical standards, eliminating exemptions for vernacular packaging.
Processors must now obtain signed allergen declarations from all ingredient suppliers and maintain audit trails. Cross-contamination risk assessments must be documented and shared with FSSAI upon inspection.
This notification strengthens FSSAI's enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Non-compliance exposes manufacturers to product recalls, financial penalties, and temporary license suspension. Vinayakam Consultants helps food processors conduct immediate label audits, revise packaging artwork, establish allergen supply-chain protocols, and prepare compliance documentation for state FSSAI offices. We also advise on cost-effective re-labelling strategies for existing inventory and advise contract manufacturers on supplier verification workflows.
Your action checklist
- Audit all current packaging and labels against the revised 14-allergen list and new font/contrast specifications by 20 June 2026.
- Obtain written allergen declarations from all ingredient and additive suppliers; cross-reference against product formulations and update records.
- Redesign principal display panel to include a consolidated, legally compliant allergen box in English and all regional languages used on packaging.
- Conduct internal training for production, quality and procurement teams on cross-contamination prevention and allergen labelling obligations before 30 June.
Frequently asked questions
The FSSAI allergen labelling rule becomes effective on 30 June 2026. All food processors must display a consolidated allergen statement on the principal display panel with specified font size and contrast requirements.
Non-compliance attracts penalties up to ₹10 lakh, product seizure, recalls, and potential temporary license suspension under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
All 14 major allergens must be declared: cereals, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, soy, mustard, celery, sulphites, and lupin in a single consolidated box with 3 mm minimum font height and 4.5:1 contrast ratio.