FSSAI Mandates 'Vegan' Logo on Approved Food Packages from 2027
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026, requiring all authorized vegan food packaging to feature a designated 'Vegan' logo. The regulation, designed to guarantee adherence to standards and enhance consumer confidence, will take effect on July 1, 2027.
According to reports, every vegan food package must display the designated green "VEGAN" logo with a leaf symbol, once it receives approval.
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Comprehensive diagrams outlining the logo, such as dimensions, positioning, and color guidelines, were included in the notice to assist manufacturers.
The alteration comes after a preliminary notification released in December 2022, in which feedback and recommendations were solicited from stakeholders for a 60-day duration.
Following the assessment of feedback, FSSAI concluded the modifications to the 2022 Vegan Foods Regulations to unify labeling and enhance consumer trust in vegan items. The notice has been endorsed by Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI.
Recently, FSSAI released a new advisory concerning the incorporation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in food items. In the advisory, FSSAI outlined criteria for health supplements, nutraceuticals, special dietary foods, and foods intended for specific medical uses according to the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations of 2016.
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It emphasized that Schedule IV of these regulations contains a list of plants or botanicals allowed for use in these products.
According to Schedule IV of the regulations, only the roots and their extracts of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are allowed in categories like health supplements, nutraceuticals, special dietary foods, and foods for specific medical purposes, within established limits.
The advisory also pointed out that some manufacturers are incorporating ashwagandha leaves and their extracts in products, stating that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in raw, extract, or any alternate form is prohibited.
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It reads, "It has been brought to the notice of FSSAI that certain manufacturers of these products are using ashwagandha leaves and their extract in their products. In this regard, it is clarified that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude or extract or any other form is not permitted under the said regulations.