Handbook of Asafetida Processing

PM Formalization of

Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme

HANDBOOK OF ASAFETIDA PROCESSING

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Indian Spices 3 1.2 Asafetida 4 1.3 Major Component of Asafetida 4-5 1.4 Importance 5-6 1.5 Market Potential 5-6 1.6 Factors Affecting Market Potential 6-8 Chapter 2: Processing of Asafetida

2.1 Asafetida Processing 9 2.2 Manufacturing Process 9-11 2.3 Processing technology of Asafetida 11-12 2.4 Machines Used 12-13 3.1Chapter Characteristics 3: Packaging of Canned of AsafetidaMushroom 19-22

3. 1 Characteristics of Asafetida 14

3.2 Packaging Materials used for Asafetida 14-16 16-19 3.3 Frequently-used plastic-based packaging materials

Chapter 4: Project Components

4.1 Land 20 4.2 Power requirement 20 4.3 Man Power 20

Chapter 5: Food Safety Regulations and Standards of Asafetida 32-34

21-22 5.1 Standards 22-24 5.2 Food Safety 5.3 Labeling Standards 24-26

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.Indian Spices

Indian spices include a variety of spices grown across the Indian subcontinent (a sub-region of South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the subcontinent. Others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries. Pepper, turmeric, cardamom, and cumin are some example of Indian spices.

Spices are used in different forms: whole, chopped, ground, roasted, sautéed, fried, and as a topping. They blend food to extract the nutrients and bind them in a palatable form. Some spices are added at the end as flavouring — those are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavour should be added first. With spice, comes flavors and regular foods become luscious in taste. Each spice has a different texture, unique aroma, and enhancing features that bring out the best of the ingredients and make food delectable.

India, known as the home of spices, boasts a long history of trading with the ancient civilizations of Rome and China. Today, Indian spices are the most sought-after globally, given their exquisite aroma, texture, taste and medicinal value. India has the largest domestic market for

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1.2. Asafetida

Asafoetida, also spelled asafetida, gets its name from the Persian aza, for mastic or resin, and the Latin foetidus, for stinking. It is a gum that is from the sap of the roots and stem of the ferula species, a giant fennel that exudes a vile odor. Asafetida is a hard-resinous gum, grayish-white when fresh, darkening with age to yellow, red and eventually brown. It is sold in blocks or pieces as a gum and more frequently as a fine yellow powder, sometimes crystalline or granulated. In its pure form, it is sold in the form of chunks of resin. The odor of the pure resin is so strong that the pungent smell will be absorbed by other spices and substances stored nearby. Hence, Asafetida has to be stores in an airtight container. The mixture is sold in sealed plastic containers with a hole that allows direct dusting of the powder. Used along with turmeric, it is a standard component of lentil curries, such as dal, curries, and vegetable dishes, especially those based on potato and cauliflower. Asafoetida is used in vegetarian Punjabi and South Indian cuisine where it enhances the flavor of numerous dishes, where it is quickly heated in hot oil before sprinkling on the food. The spice is added to the food at the time of tempering.

Early records mention that Alexander the Great carried this “stink finger” to use as a seasoning. It was used as a spice in ancient Rome, and although not native to India, it has been used in Indian medicine and cookery for ages. It was believed that asafoetida enhanced singers’ voices. In the days of the Mughal aristocracy, the court singers of Agra and Delhi would eat a spoonful of asafoetida with butter and practice on the banks of the river Yamuna.

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1.1.2. Harvesting- The gum resin is obtained from incisions in the roots and rhizomes of the plants. Usually plants of sour to five years old develop very thick and fleshy, carrot shaped roots. The upper part of the root is laid bare and the stem is cut close to the crown. The exposed surface is covered by a dome shaped structure made of twigs and earth. A milky juice exudes from the cut surface which soon coagulates when exposed to air. After some days, the exudate gum-resin is scraped off and a fresh slice of the root is cut. Period of harvesting/collection: Tapping is usually done in March and April, just before the plants flower.

1.3. Major component of Asafetida • Asafoetida has a powerful odour and a bitter acrid taste, due to the presence of sulphur compounds in it. • Asafoetida contains about 40-60 per cent of resin, 25 percent of gum, 10 percent of volatile essential oil and other compounds like ash.The resin consists chiefly of asaresinotennol, free or combined with ferulic acid. • An analysis of asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8 per cent per 100 gms, moisture 16.0 percent, protein 4.0 per cent, fat 1.1 percent, minerals 7.0 percent and fibre 4.1 percent. Its mineral and vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin and niacin.

1.3.1 Vaue Addition

• The milk juice obtained from the root becomes a brown, resin-like mass after drying. Asafoetida is processed and marketed either as lumps or in powdered form. The lump asafoetida is the most common form of pure asafoetida. • The trading form is either the pure resin or so-called “compounded asafoetida" which is a fine powder consisting to more than 50% of rice flour and gum arabic to prevent lumping. The advantage of the compounded sorin is that is is easier to dose. • The gum-resin is also steam distilled to obtain the essential oil known as Oil of Asafoetida.

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1.4. Importance • This spice is used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment, and in pickling. • It plays a critical flavoring role in Indian vegetarian cuisine by acting as a savory enhancer. Sometimes dried and ground asafoetida (in small quantities) can be mixed with salt and eaten with raw salad. • Asafoetida has long been used as a food flavouring and medicinal herb. It is still sometimes used in modern herbalist where it is especially valued in the treatment of hysteria, some nervous conditions, bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough. • The gum resin is antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, laxative, sedative. The volatile oil in the gum is eliminated through the lungs, making this an excellent treatment for asthma. • It is used as a flavoring agent and forms a constituent of many spice mixtures. • Asafoetida is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis. • It is reputed as a drug which expels wind from the stomach and counteracts any spasmodic disorders. It is also a nervine stimulant, digestive agent and a sedative.

1.5. Market Potential Hing commands 6-8% wallet share in India’s humongous spice market and its presence in Indian curries is not as palpable as perhaps, dry red chili or mustard. Demand for processed hing first shot up in the 1920s across most southern markets, especially around Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. This was when LG & Co, then helmed by Khimji Laljee (Laljee Godhoo’s son), set up its first offsite plant at Nagapattanam. The demand cycle peaked again in the late 1970s and early 1980s when the company set up more processing units in Chennai, Kumbakonam and Nashik, besides a mother plant in Mumbai. The Nagapattanam unit was shut when the Chennai unit started. Hathras has been a large scale producer of Asafoetida or hing for the last 100 years in India. This has given the district a distinct identity. Raw Asafoetida is mainly imported from countries like Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan among others.Asafoetida as a product is being used since years as an important ingredient. There is a good demand for quality compounded asafoetida in the domestic market and as well as in export market. The precise estimate of domestic market for compounded asafoetida is not available. India has been exporting asafoetida

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CHAPTER 2

PROCESSING OF ASAFETIDA

2.1. Asafetida/Hing Processing

2.2. Raw materials (100 Kg) Sap is collected from a slit in the plant’s bark within a plastic dish placed at the base of the plant. The process is similar to rubber tapping. A single ferula plant yields close to 500 gm of sap.

2.2. Manufacturing Process It is a resin like gum which is extracted from dried sap of the stem and roots of Ferula plant and then crushed in a traditional method, between heavy stones or by a hammer, this requires a lot of manpower. Once you have done with machinery the next step will be Compounded Asafoetida Manufacturing Process, here we have given 5 steps Hing Manufacturing Process: • Step 1) Soak in Water- You will need to soak the pasty mass of asafoetida is in water.

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• Step 2) Mixing- Then mixes the ingredients in the required proportion using Mixer Grinder. Then add the slurry of the soaked asafoetida and mix well. • Step 3) Milling- Then makes the compounded asafoetida to the powder form using a Milling machine.

• Step 4) Tablet Form- Generally asafetida is in powder form but additionally, you can produce the Compounded Asafetida or Hing tablet by using Tablet making the machine. • Step 5) Packaging- After passing through the Hing Manufacturing Process the Compounded Asafetida or Hing powder is packed with the help of Packaging machine, to maintain its moisture content and quality polythene bags are used for packaging purpose.

Flow chart of Asafoetida/Hing

Soaking

Mixing

Miling

Tablet Formation

Packaging & Storage

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2.3. Machines Used • Mixer Grinder- Used to mix the ingredients for hing production.

• Milling unit- By using the milling machine compounded Asafoetida is made into the powder form.

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• Tableting machine- Tableting is a method of pressing medicine or candy into tablets.

• Packaging Unit- Used to packaging the processed hing for distribution.

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• Metal Detector- Metal detectors for food provide effective protection against ferrous and non-ferrous metals (aluminium, stainless steel, etc.). ... In addition to consumer protection, metal detectors also are used to protect machinery. Even smallest metal particles can lead to machinery failure.

• Conveyor- Conveyor Systems are mechanical devices or assemblies that transport material with minimal effort. While there are many different kinds of conveyor systems.

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CHAPTER 3

PACKAGING OF ASAFETIDA

3.1 Characteristics of Asfatida

The perennial asafoetida plants has several varieties and are native to the region between the Mediterranean region to Central Asia, especially Iran and Afghanistan. The other species, known botanically as Ferula northex, grow abundantly in Kashmir, Western Tibet and Afghanistan. Ferula is the family name (genus) of a few related species. The one that everybody’s talking about currently is Ferula asafoetida; others are Ferula alliacea, Ferula rubricaulis, Ferula narthex and Ferula foetida. All of them require similar growing conditions; all of them have fat, carrot- shaped roots from where the thick white sap drips slowly, to be collected periodically, and it is tempting for growers to ramp up the weight of the not inexpensive asafoetida with a substitute that looks similar.

3.2. Selection of Packaging Material Factors to consider include product damage, fines, stickiness, bag opening size, re-closure among other things. In selection of packaging materials for sweet packaging the following need to be considered:

3.2.1. WaterVapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) Knowledge of WVTR of packaging materials and the effect of folding, creasing, crumpling of materials on papers and aluminum foil show considerable effect. However, thermoplastic materials are not much affected.

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Effect of Folding and Crumpling on the WVTR

3.2.2. Gas Transmission Rate Permeability to gases like oxygen decides the shelf-life of oxygen sensitive items. The oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of some plastic materials and the effect of folding and crumpling.

Effect of Folding and Crumpling on the OTR

Besides OTR, permeability to volatiles and flavours is important in candies packaging. Polyolefins have high values, whereas plastics such as polyester, nylons, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) have good barrier properties for transmission of volatiles. The odour permeability’s (for volatiles used in candies) of some materials.

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Odour Transmission of Packaging Materials

3.2.3. Tensile Strength & Elongation Tensile Strength and Elongation properties of materials need to be studied as their running on high-speed machines should be suitable.

3.2.4. Tear Strength For a fruit processed product, tear strength is of importance as low tear values are necessary and useful for opening packages by hands.

3.2.5. Heat Seal Strength The performance of a finished package is determined by the effectiveness of the package seal i.e. the permeability to water vapor, gases and volatiles increase if the seal is not perfect. Thermoplastic films such as polyethylene give excellent heat seals.

3.2.6. Performance Properties Apart from the above mentioned important properties, a material has to perform well on machines; therefore knowledge of physical properties like slip, stiffness, blocking resistance is also necessary. Twist retention for twist wrap is also of importance. The initial function of packaging is to protect. However, the emotional role played by packaging is also of importance, especially when the confection is a gift. A sophisticated packaging using deluxe materials is often used as a way of expressing feelings.

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Packaging must also be specialized for specific target groups. A different pack size is required for quick impulse buys at petrol stations and roadside shops than for the super markets selling predominantly family sized packs.

3.3.Frequently-used plastic-based packaging materials

A very high quantum of polymeric materials, besides cellulosic and aluminum foil, are used for packaging items. Paper board and metal containers are also used for certain applications. Although a variety of packaging materials are available, the ultimate choice of the wrapper depends upon the required shelf-life, performance of the wrapping machine, and the cost which is purely based on the segment of the market targeted by the manufacturer. The most common choice of packaging medium is plastic (generally flexible) as it provides the required protection and preservation, grease resistance, physical strength, machinability, and printability. Plastics being lighter in weight are, therefore, the most preferred material for packaging of sweets. There are many changing trends in the packaging.. Plastic films and their laminates are increasingly used due to better properties and aluminum foil laminates due to price and better flex crack property. Plastic-based packaging materials that can be used for hing are listed below.

➢ Polyethylene (PE)- It is considered to be the backbone of packaging films. Since one of the greatest threats to the quality of product comes from moisture, polyethylene with its low water vapor transmission is of definite interest. Polyethylene films are fairly free of plasticizers and other additives and are quite extensively used as a part of lamination. Its ability to heat seal increases its value. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is an economical material with low WVTR, however, it has high permeability’s to flavors/volatiles, poor grease resistance, and are limp. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is stiffer, more translucent, and has better barrier properties but needs a higher temperature for sealing. Later additions include high molecular weight high-density polyethylene (HM HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). HM HDPE is a paper-like film with high physical strength and barrier properties but is less transparent than ordinary polyethylene. HM HDPE is available in twist-wrap grades. Polyethylene films are also suitable for making bags. A

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copolymer of polyethylene and polyvinyl alcohol and EVOH has outstanding gas barrier properties especially when dry.

➢ Polypropylene- Polypropylene films have better clarity than polyethylene and enjoy superior machinability due to stiffness. Lack of good salability has been a problem; however, PVDC and vinyl coating have been used to overcome this problem. Some varieties of PP have been specially developed for twist-wrap applications as they have the ability to lock in position after twisting.

➢ Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)- PVC is a stiff and clear film having a low gas transmission rate. PVC can be used as small wraps, bags, and pouches. PVC when co-polymerized with polyvinylidene chloride is known as Saran. Since it is a costly material, it is only used as a coating to obtain barrier properties and heat salability. PVC film is also used for twist wraps, as it has twist retention properties and is excellent on high-speed machines.

➢ Polyesters (PET) and Polyamide (PA)- Polyethylene terephthalate film has high tensile strength, gloss, and stiffness as well as puncture resistance. It has moderate WVTR but is a good barrier to volatiles and gases. To provide heat seal property, PET is normally laminated to other substrates. Nylons or polyamides are similar to PET but have high WVTR.

➢ Metallised Films- When polymeric films are metalized there is an improvement in their barrier properties. Metallization is also used for decorative purposes and aesthetics. The films, which are used for metallization, are PVC, PET, PP, and polyamides. To safeGourd the interest of the consumer the Standards of Weights & Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, have imposed a limit on the weight of the wrapper.

3.3.1. Types of Packages

• Hanging Bags- Hanging bags are frequently seen in grocery stores and other retail locations. They are a type of plastic bag that is sealed on both ends and sometimes with a

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back-middle seam as well. Hanging bags have a pre-cut hole that allows them to hang easily from hooks, so they can be displayed in an attractive way. • Pillow Bags - Another common type of packaging is a pillow bag. The bags get their name from their shape, which resembles a pillow. They are found lying flat on grocery store shelves and have been known to hold sweets and chicklets. • Gusseted Poly Bags- Gusseted bags are often called flat-bottom bags because they feature a tucked in pleat that’s been pressed flat. It allows the bag to expand for greater carrying capacity and to keep the shape of a box if necessary. These types of poly bags can be heat sealed, tied, stapled, or taped shut. They’re the perfect poly bag for anyone looking to get more sweets in a single bag. • Reclosable Zipper Bags and Pouches- Reclosable bags and pouches are good for flavored hing because they give customers convenient access to their goodies while preserving freshness. • Flexible Pouches- Flexible pouches are a great option for holding any processed products. They can be manufactured with zipper-seal closures, which help keep the interior contents fresh for use. Flexible pouches offer amazing printing capabilities, so you can add your attractive product branding to the pouch itself. Many pouches stand up on their own, which helps you improve your shelf appearance.

3.3.2. Quality considerations during packing

Quality control of packed products is the last time the product is checked before reaching the customer. Documented checking of the packages entails: • Weight of the package • Weight of the Hing • Arrangement of the hing • Uniformity of the fruit • Damage to the fruit • Defects; and Moisture content. The surrounding area is also checked: • Cleanliness of the handling equipment during processing

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• Calibration of the scales (automatic or manual); • Writing on the packages; • Satisfactory working of the metal detector (installed on every retail packing line); • Repackaging installations and marking; and • Qualification for international standards such as ISO and HACCP

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CHAPTER 4

Project component

4.1. Land-

Land & Building required 1000-1200 square feet approx.

Area requirement is higher due to high requirement of storage capacity for raw material and final product.

Land and building requirements may vary depending on the size of project.

4.1.1. Miscellaneous Assets-

➢ Water Supply Arrangements ➢ Furniture

4.2.Power requirement- The executer shall require power load of 10 KW which shall be applied with Power Corporation.

4.3. Man power requirement- For a small unit to begin with around 8 people is required including skilled, non- skilled worker and a supervisor. • 2 Skilled Labour • 3 Unskilled Labour • 2Administrative Staffs • 1 Accountant

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CHAPTER 5

FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS OF

ASAFITIDA PROCESSING

5.1.Food Standards

Regulation 5.8.29 Asafoetida ASAFOETIDA (Hing or Hingra) means the oleogumresin obtained from the rhizome and roots of Ferula alliaces, Ferula rubricaulis and other species of Ferula. It shall not contain any colophony resin, galbonum resin, ammoniaccum resin or any other foreign resin. Hing shall conform to the following standards, namely:

(1) Total ash content shall not exceed 15 per cent by weight.

(2) Ash insoluble in dilute hydrochloric acid shall not exceed 2.5 per cent by weight.

(3) The alcoholic extract (with 90 per cent alcohol) shall not be less than 12 per cent as estimated by the U.S.P. 1936 method.

(4) Starch shall not exceed 1 per cent by weight.

Hingra shall conform to the following standards namely:-

(1) The total ash content shall not exceed 20 per cent by weight.

(2) Ash insoluble in dilute hydrochloric acid shall not exceed 8 per cent by weight.

(3) The alcoholic extract (with 90 per cent alcohol) shall not be less than 50 per cent as estimated by the U.S.P. 1936 method.

(4) Starch shall not exceed 1 per cent by weight.

Compounded asafoetida or Bandhani Hing is composed of one or more varieties of asafoetida (Irani or Pathani Hing or both) and gum arabic, edible starches or edible cereal flour.

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It shall not contain:-

(a) colophony resin,

(b) galbanum resin,

(d) any other foreign resin,

(e) coal tar dyes,

(f) mineral pigment,

(g) more than 10 per cent total ash content,

(h) more than 1.5 per cent ash insoluble in dilute hydrochloric acid,

(i) less than 5 per cent alcoholic extract, (with 90 per cent of alcohol) as estimated by the U.S.P. 1936 method.

5.2.Food Safety

Part I - General Hygienic and Sanitary practices to be followed by Petty Food Business Operators applying for Registration

SANITARY AND HYGIENIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD MANUFACTURER/ PROCESSOR/HANDLER

The place where food is manufactured, processed or handled shall comply with the following requirements:

1. The premises shall be located in a sanitary place and free from filthy surroundings and shall maintain overall hygienic environment. All new units shall set up away from environmentally polluted areas.

2. The premises to conduct food business for manufacturing should have adequate space for manufacturing and storage to maintain overall hygienic environment.

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3. The premises shall be clean, adequately lighted and ventilated and sufficient free space for movement.

4. Floors, Ceilings and walls must be maintained in a sound condition. They should be smooth and easy to clean with no flaking paint or plaster.

5. The floor and skirted walls shall be washed as per requirement with an effective disinfectant the premises shall be kept free from all insects. No spraying shall be done during the conduct of business, but instead fly swats/ flaps should be used to kill spray flies getting into the premises. Windows, doors and other openings shall be fitted with net or screen, as appropriate to make the premise insect free The water used in the manufacturing shall be potable and if required chemical and bacteriological examination of the water shall be done at regular intervals at any recognized laboratory.

6. Continuous supply of potable water shall be ensured in the premises. In case of intermittent water supply, adequate storage arrangement for water used in food or washing shall be made.

7. Equipment and machinery when employed shall be of such design which will permit easy cleaning. Arrangements for cleaning of containers, tables, working parts of machinery, etc. shall be provided.

8. No vessel, container or other equipment, the use of which is likely to cause metallic contamination injurious to health shall be employed in the preparation, packing or storage of food. (Copper or brass vessels shall have proper lining).

9. All equipments shall be kept clean, washed, dried and stacked at the close of business to ensure freedom from growth of mould/ fungi and infestation.

10. All equipments shall be placed well away from the walls to allow proper inspection.

11. There should be efficient drainage system and there shall be adequate provisions for disposal of refuse.

12. The workers working in processing and preparation shall use clean aprons, hand gloves, and head wears.

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13. Persons suffering from infectious diseases shall not be permitted to work. Any cuts or wounds shall remain covered at all time and the person should not be allowed to come in direct contact with food.

14. All food handlers shall keep their finger nails trimmed, clean and wash their hands with soap, or detergent and water before commencing work and every time after using toilet. Scratching of body parts, hair shall be avoided during food handling processes.

15. All food handlers should avoid wearing, false nails or other items or loose jewellery that might fall into food and also avoid touching their face or hair.

16. Eating, chewing, smoking, spitting and nose blowing shall be prohibited within the premises especially while handling food.

17. All articles that are stored or are intended for sale shall be fit for consumption and have proper cover to avoid contamination.

18. The vehicles used to transport foods must be maintained in good repair and kept clean.

19. Foods while in transport in packaged form or in containers shall maintain the required temperature.

20. Insecticides / disinfectants shall be kept and stored separately and `away from food manufacturing / storing/ handling areas.

5.3.Labeling Standards

Labeling requirements for packaged food products as laid down in the Part VII of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955, and the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules of 1977, require that the labels contain the following information:

1. Name, trade name or description 2. Name of ingredients used in the product in descending order of their composition by weight or volume

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3. Name and complete address of manufacturer/packer, importer, country of origin of the imported food (if the food article is manufactured outside India, but packed in India) 4. Nutritional Information 5. Information Relating to Food Additives, Colors and Flavors 6. Instructions for Use 7. Veg or Non-Veg Symbol 8. Net weight, number or volume of contents 9. Distinctive batch, lot or code number 10. Month and year of manufacture and packaging 11. Month and year by which the product is best consumed 12. Maximum retail price

Wherever applicable, the product label also must contains the following

The purpose of irradiation and license number in case of irradiated food. Extraneous addition of coloring material. Non-vegetarian food – any food which contains whole or part of any animal including birds, fresh water or marine animals, eggs or product of any animal origin as an ingredient, not including milk or milk products – must have a symbol of a brown color-filled circle inside a brown square outline prominently displayed on the package, contrasting against the background on the display label in close proximity to the name or brand name of the food. Vegetarian food must have a similar symbol of green color-filled circle inside a square with a green outline prominently displayed. All declarations may be: Printed in English or Hindi on a label securely affixed to the package, or Made on an additional wrapper containing the imported package, or Printed on the package itself, or May be made on a card or tape affixed firmly to the package and bearing the required information prior to customs clearance.

Exporters should review the Chapter 2 of the “FSS (Packaging and Labeling) Regulation 2011” and the Compendium of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulation before designing labels for products to be exported to India. FSSAI revised the labeling Regulation and a draft notification to that effect was published on April 11, 2018, inviting comments from WTO

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According to the FSS Packaging and Labeling Regulation 2011, “prepackaged” or “pre packed food” including multi-piece packages, should carry mandatory information on the label.

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