FSSAI logo cannot be used to sell products or denounce rival products

Monday, 13 February, 2017, 08 : 00 AM [IST]

Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi

With many brands using the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) logo to sell their products, notably Patanjali and Dabur, the apex regulator has issued a clarification that its logo can’t be used to sell any product, and that it is not a means for rival companies to denounce their competitors’ products.  The apex food regulator has issued an order directing all food business operators (FBOs) to refrain from using its logo to justify their products, and reiterated that all products manufactured, stored, distributed, sold and imported were required to conform to the standards prescribed by it.  FSSAI added, “It is directed that the display of FSSAI logo and name in labels and advertisements in any form should not be used to misrepresent the regulator or to suggest that it endorses any particular FBO, company, organisation or product.” It further says that the logo is only allowed to be used as per the food safety standards packaging rules and regulations.  According to a senior official with FSSAI, “There have been numerous representations made to FSSAI with regards to such acts wherein companies were involved in justifying their products with the display of FSSAI’s name and logo and that their products were approved and endorsed by FSSAI.”  “However, it wasn’t the case, and according to the rules and regulations, putting the logo and license number on packaged food commodity is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.”  It has been learnt that FSSAI has been working on the subject for several months.  source