Indian food label symbols and their meaning

The FSSAI logo signifies that the food product has been tested by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and meets safety standards for consumption. It appears on food packets, pamphlets, food packing bags, menu cards, and food cartons. Essentially, when you see this logo, you can trust that the food is safe to eat!

The Green Dot symbol on the food packaging indicates that the food is purely vegetarian. It helps consumers easily identify vegetarian food items. On the other hand, a red dot signifies that the food contains non-vegetarian ingredients. So, when you see these dots, you’ll know whether the product aligns with your dietary preferences!

The Agmark logo on food packaging indicates that the product is an agricultural item. It assures consumers that the product has undergone certification, and lab testing, and adheres to specific standards. Essentially, when you see the Agmark logo, you can trust that you’re getting a high-quality agricultural product!

This mark is used for all agricultural products such as vegetable oil, pulses, cereals, spices, honey, fruits, and vegetables. It signifies adherence to quality standards specified by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The Jaivik Bharat logo is a unified mark for organic food items in India. It differentiates organic items from non-organic ones and has government certification. The logo features a circle, a leaf, and a tick mark:

1. The circle represents global holistic wellness.
2. The green leaf symbolizes nature.
3. The tick mark indicates that the product is FSSAI-certified as organic.
4. The green color represents the environment.

The Eco Mark on a food product indicates that it meets certain environmental standards set by the BIS. These standards may focus on:

• Sustainable agricultural practices are used to grow the ingredients.
• Reduced environmental impact during processing and packaging.
• Biodegradable or recyclable packaging materials.

Fairtrade is a global system that connects farmers and workers from developing countries with consumers and businesses across the world to change trade for the better. Here’s how it works:

1. Certification Standards: Fairtrade sets standards in the production of goods. For farmers, it means safer working conditions and fairer pay.
2. Ethically Produced Products: For shoppers, Fairtrade means high-quality, ethically produced products.
3. Global Movement: Fairtrade is a movement that promotes a better deal for farmers and workers in developing countries. It combines paying higher prices to exporters with improved social and environmental standards.

A gluten-free diet excludes any foods that contain gluten, which is a group of proteins present in wheat and several other grains. Gluten helps bind baked goods and provides some elasticity to bread. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Definition: A gluten-free food is one that does not contain any gluten. It involves avoiding gluten in foods and drinks completely.
2. What to Avoid: To follow a gluten-free diet, you must avoid wheat and some other grains like barley, rye, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye).
3. Allowed Foods: You can eat whole foods that don’t contain gluten, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and processed gluten-free foods like gluten-free bread or pasta.
4. Health Benefits: A gluten-free diet is essential for people with conditions like celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
5. Reading Labels: Learn how to read labels and avoid cross-contamination to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle.

9. ISI Mark

The ISI mark is mandatory for packaged drinking water, mineral water, and certain processed foods such as infant food, milk, and skimmed milk powder. It ensures that the product meets quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).