FSSAI PENALTIES FOR MISBRANDED FOOD: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Ensuring food safety and consumer trust is critical for every food business in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has laid down strict rules regarding misbranding to protect consumers from misleading claims. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to serious consequences. In this guide, we’ll break down FSSAI penalties for misbranded food, common misbranding practices, and how businesses can avoid heavy fines.

UNDERSTANDING MISBRANDED FOOD UNDER FSSAI

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Misbranded food refers to any product that carries false, misleading, or incomplete information on its label or packaging. The FSSAI regulations aim to ensure that consumers receive accurate details about ingredients, nutritional value, and product origin.

COMMON EXAMPLES OF MISBRANDING

False nutritional claims (e.g., “sugar-free” when sugar is present)
Misleading product names or logos resembling popular brands
Incomplete ingredient lists or missing allergen warnings
Using non-standard terms or unauthorized health claims

LABELING AND PACKAGING VIOLATIONS

Some frequent labeling and packaging violations under misbranded food regulations FSSAI include:

Missing manufacturer details
Incorrect net weight or volume
Use of deceptive packaging designs
Absence of mandatory information like FSSAI licence number or batch code.

FSSAI PENALTIES FOR MISBRANDED FOOD

The FSSAI penalties for misbranded food are designed to discourage deceptive practices and ensure consumer protection. Depending on the severity of the violation, the penalties may vary.

Fines and Monetary Penalties: Food businesses found guilty of misbranding can face fines up to Rs.3,00,000. The amount is decided based on the nature of the misrepresentation and its impact on public health.
Suspension or Cancellation of Licence: In addition to fines, the FSSAI licence of a business may be suspended or permanently cancelled. This can disrupt business operations and damage brand credibility.

LEGAL ACTIONS AND PROSECUTION

In serious cases, FSSAI penalties for misbranded food extend beyond fines to legal prosecution. Offenders may face court proceedings, reputational harm, and even imprisonment if public health is severely compromised.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR FOOD BUSINESSES

To avoid FSSAI penalties for misbranded food, businesses should implement preventive measures that ensure compliance.

Compliance with Labelling Standards: Strictly follow food labelling compliance norms by including all necessary details such as ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, FSSAI licence number, and expiry date.
Regular Audits and Self-Checks: Conduct periodic internal audits to identify and correct potential misbranding issues. Self-checks help maintain consistency with misbranded food regulations FSSAI.

ROLE OF LAWFINITY IN ENSURING COMPLIANCE

At Lawfinity, we assist businesses in navigating complex FSSAI regulations. Our experts provide end-to-end support for food labelling compliance, ensuring that packaging, branding, and documentation meet legal standards. With proactive compliance, you can safeguard your business from FSSAI penalties for misbranded food and maintain consumer trust.