Pick up a plant-based milk or dairy-free snack in India and you’ll often see the word “vegan” printed on the label. For consumers, that word carries a clear expectation — no animal ingredients and no animal-derived processing. Not every product made without meat automatically qualifies as vegan under Indian regulations.
For food businesses, however, it’s not simply a marketing term. The claim is regulated. FSSAI has introduced provisions that explain when food products can be sold with a vegan claim in India. These rules form the basis for regulating vegan foods in the market.
Before moving ahead, let’s look at how vegan food is defined in these regulations and how businesses apply for approval under the FSSAI system.
How FSSAI Defines Vegan Food in India
Not every plant-based product automatically counts as vegan under Indian food rules. For FSSAI, the expectation is straightforward: If any ingredient that come from animals is used, the product cannot be marketed as vegan. That check goes beyond the ingredient list. Materials used during manufacturing should also avoid animal sources. This includes additives or flavouring substances used while making the food.
Vegan Food Product Regulations in India
In India, foods marketed as vegan must follow the requirements by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A dedicated regulation for vegan foods was notified in 2022. Labeling requirements were already defined in 2020, recall procedures in 2017, and licensing requirements under the 2011 food business regulations.
- The product should not include ingredients taken from animals.
- Production processes should avoid animal-origin substances.
- Shared equipment needs proper cleaning before vegan production starts.
- The vegan logo can only appear after approval from the authority.
- Retail storage and display should keep vegan products separate.
- Imported items must carry confirmation of vegan compliance.
- Vegan foods sold in India follow requirements set by the national food regulator.
- Additives, flavouring substances, enzymes, carriers, and processing aids used in the product should also be free from animal origin.
FSSAI Regulatory Requirements for Vegan Food Products
Products labelled as vegan are expected to remain free from animal-derived ingredients throughout manufacturing. This principle forms the basis of the vegan food rules notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
When vegan and non-vegan foods are produced in the same facility, adequate precautions should be taken to avoid contact between the two. When this happens, operators are expected to follow appropriate cleaning and sanitation procedures before vegan production begins.
The regulations also expect Food Business Operators to maintain records supporting the vegan status of their products. Documentation relating to ingredient sourcing and handling typically forms part of this compliance process.
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Registration Process for Vegan Food Products in India
FSSAI licensing is required.
Businesses that manufacture, import, or sell vegan foods must first obtain the appropriate food licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Manufacturing practices should prevent cross-contact.
If vegan and non-vegan foods are handled in the same facility, equipment and production lines are usually cleaned before vegan production begins.
Supporting records should be maintained.
Food Business Operators generally keep ingredient lists, supplier details, and production records to show that the product meets vegan requirements.
Approval for the vegan logo is required.
Products marketed as vegan must obtain permission to use the official vegan logo prescribed by the Food Authority.
Labelling and retail display requirements must also be followed.
Once approved, the vegan logo must appear on the product label, and vegan foods should be stored or displayed separately from non-vegan products.
Importation of Vegan Food Products into India
Vegan food products may only be imported with a certificate issued by the recognized authorities of the exporting countries, which must adhere to the specified format accepted by the Authority.
FSSAI Approval for the Vegan Logo in India
Products cannot carry the vegan logo unless permission is obtained from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The application normally includes product information and relevant documents, along with payment of the applicable fee. Labels should also comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
FSSAI Fees for Vegan Logo Endorsement
The FSSAI fees for processing applications for Vegan Logo Endorsement have undergone a revision, with a significant reduction in the fee structure. Previously set at INR 25,000/- per product, the fees were updated in November 2023 to INR 10,000/- per application. This adjustment aims to streamline the process and make it more accessible for Food Business Operators (FBOs) seeking endorsement for the ‘Vegan Logo’ on their food products. FBOs are required to submit the applicable application fee, or as revised by the Food Authority, through the online e-payment portal provided. The transaction receipt and generated invoice must be included as enclosures to the application, ensuring compliance with the updated fee structure.
Exemptions from Vegan Endorsement Application
Certain products are exempt from the requirement to apply for vegan endorsement. These exemptions include products that are inherently vegan, such as raw agricultural commodities like rice, cereals, pulses, oil seeds, and dry fruits. Additionally, agricultural commodities that undergo minimal processing without the addition of other ingredients, such as oil and wheat flour, are exempt. Furthermore, raw agricultural or horticultural commodities, whether singularly or in mixed form, without the addition of other ingredients, are also excluded from the endorsement requirement. It’s important to note that if a Food Business Operator (FBO) still chooses to submit an application for vegan endorsement for such exempted products, the fees paid along with the application will not be refunded
As the demand for Vegan Food Products continues to grow in India, navigating the regulatory landscape becomes imperative for businesses operating in this space. By ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations, maintaining high-quality standards, and promoting consumer awareness, businesses can capitalize on the opportunities offered by the burgeoning vegan market while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.
However, navigating these regulations can be complex. That’s where Artixio steps in as your trusted partner. With our expertise in regulatory compliance, we assist FBOs in understanding and adhering to the intricate requirements of vegan food regulations in India.
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