LABEL LITERACY•6 min read•By FIT4 Clinical Food Directorate
How to Read an Indian Product Ingredient Label (FSSAI Compliance Guide)
Master the rules of reading Indian packaged food labels under FSSAI regulations, identifying descending-order tricks, hidden sugar aliases, and INS additive codes.
Executive Clinical Summary
- Ingredients must be listed in strictly descending order of weight (first 3 ingredients represent the bulk).
- INS numbers represent the International Numbering System approved by FSSAI for acidity regulators, colorings, and preservatives.
- Check serving sizes vs pack net weight to calculate real sugar surge.
- Look for NOVA classification markers: whole foods vs ultra-processed formulations.
1. The Descending Weight Rule Under FSSAI
Under FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, manufacturers must declare ingredients in descending order of incoming weight at the time of manufacture. If sugar, palm oil, or refined flour (maida) is in the top 3 items, that product is fundamentally built on low-cost industrial bulk, regardless of front-of-pack 'Protein' or 'Immunity' claims.
2. Cracking the INS (International Numbering System) Code
Instead of writing chemical names, labels often use codes like 'Acidity Regulator (338)' or 'Colour (150d)'. Acidity Regulator (338) is Phosphoric Acid, used to lower pH to 2.5 in colas. Colour (150d) is Caramel Color Class IV, manufactured with ammonia and sulfites. Knowing these codes protects your teeth, gut, and metabolic health.
3. Spotting the 60+ Aliases of Added Sugar
Manufacturers frequently split sugars into multiple variants (liquid glucose, maltodextrin, invert syrup, high fructose corn syrup, cane juice crystals) so that no single sugar appears first on the list. Combined, however, they often constitute the single largest ingredient.
Primary Scientific Evidence & Statutory Standards
- [01]FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020
- [02]WHO Guidance on Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling Systems, 2021