With rising consciousness about clear consuming habits and wholesome life-style practices, extra customers at the moment are aware of their dietary selections. While customers at the moment have many choices to select from, usually the variety of merchandise out there makes it tough for them to choose one. For occasion, once you browse a web based e-commerce retailer or just stroll by way of the aisles of a grocery retailer, you may usually come throughout an intensive array of natural, naturally made, no-preservative handmade merchandise, every with fancy-designed labels and certifications. While this provides an array of choices to select from, customers are sometimes left confused by the phrases brandished on the merchandise.
Also Read: The Hidden Truths Of Food Labels: What You Need To Know

However, the important thing to resolving such confusion is to search out out – “What do these labels indicate, and how can one interpret them to make learned choices?” Typically, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is chargeable for regulating meals labelling and certification and creating pointers that present a standardized framework for labelling and making certain high quality and meals security in India. 

Important Information That You Can Find On Indian Food Labels- 

The Food Authority mandates that meals labels should point out the identify and tackle of the producer, a listing of components in reducing order of proportion, dietary data, and allergen data. Additionally, the label should additionally characteristic the date of manufacture and expiry, internet amount, FSSAI brand and license lumber, and storage Instructions.
Also Read: Placing Food’s Nutrition Label In Front Of The Package May Help Promote Healthy Eating – Study

It is necessary to test meals labels.
Photo Credit: iStock

Common Food Certifications and Labels You Need To Know About- 

FSSAI’s “Organic” Logo – Jaivik Bharat 

The unified brand serves to differentiate natural merchandise from non-organic ones and is accompanied by the tagline “Jaivik Bharat” on the backside. The brand can solely be discovered on merchandise which can be licensed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI. 

It signifies that the product is licensed natural, which means it’s produced with out utilizing any artificial pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or synthetic components, marking them appropriate for individuals who want to devour genuine natural produce.  

Agriculture Marketing or AGMARK 

This certification mark is employed on agricultural merchandise in India to make sure that they conform to the authorised requirements of the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection – an company of the Government of India. When looking by way of e-commerce grocery shops or buying aisles one can simply discover them on the labels of commodities like cereals, pulses, and edible oils. The AGMARK serves as an affidavit of secure, high quality, and unadulterated merchandise.  

Halal and Kosher 

They signify that the meals product conforms to dietary legal guidelines in Islam and Judaism, respectively. It confirms that the Kosher meat has been butchered and soaked earlier than cooking. On the opposite hand, the Halal mark signifies the meat has been butchered in a selected approach that conforms to Islamic practices. Such certifications put customers relaxed and assist them decide merchandise that swimsuit their customs and spiritual beliefs. 

Indian Standards Mark or ISI Mark 

Ensures that the product meets the Indian Standards by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the nationwide requirements physique of India, when it comes to high quality and efficiency. This mark confirms that the meals merchandise have been licensed and totally examined as per the accepted requirements. Products that bear the ISI Mark get pleasure from a aggressive edge over their rivals, as the identical vouches for its high quality and security requirements to the purchasers. 

Vegan Certification 

Indicates that the product doesn’t include any animal-derived components, interesting to customers who observe a vegan life-style. To elaborate, the certifications verify that merchandise don’t include components equivalent to meat, fowl, fish, or any animal merchandise equivalent to silk and even dyes from bugs. It additionally signifies that the ultimate product was not examined on animals and that no GMO was used for the product. 

Gluten-Free Certification 

The voluntary program Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) developed by the Gluten Intolerance Group is the only real entity providing gluten-free certification schemes. It assures that the product is secure for people with celiac illness or gluten sensitivities, and helps make a safer selection. 

Food labels serve a significant perform by offering important particulars to customers. Simultaneously, totally different certifications present further ensures concerning the calibre, security, and ethical elements of the meals we purchase. Together, they permit people to go for extra healthful, safe, and ethically aware dietary choices. 

About the creator: Satyajit Hange is the Co-Founder and Farmer at Two Brother Organic Farm