FSSAI Introduces Mandatory Vegan Logo on Food Packaging from July 2027

In a significant move to standardise vegan food labelling, India’s food regulator has mandated a dedicated ‘Vegan’ logo on approved products, aiming to improve transparency and consumer trust.

FSSAI Mandates Vegan Logo for Packaged Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a new regulation requiring all approved vegan food products to carry a designated ‘Vegan’ logo on their packaging. This directive comes under the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026, and will be implemented from July 1, 2027.

The move is aimed at ensuring uniformity in vegan food labelling across the country while also helping consumers easily identify plant-based products.

Details of the Vegan Logo Requirement

As per the official notification published in the Gazette of India on May 25, 2026, every vegan food package must display a clearly defined green “VEGAN” logo featuring a leaf symbol. This logo will only be permitted after the product receives necessary regulatory approval.

To maintain consistency, FSSAI has provided detailed guidelines regarding the logo’s design, including its size, placement, and colour specifications. These standards are intended to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that the logo is easily recognisable by consumers.

The introduction of a standardised symbol is expected to simplify purchasing decisions for individuals following vegan lifestyles.

Background and Regulatory Development

The amendment is the result of a multi-step regulatory process that began with a draft notification issued in December 2022. During this period, FSSAI invited feedback, objections, and suggestions from industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and experts over a 60-day consultation window.

After carefully reviewing the responses, the authority finalised the updated regulations to strengthen compliance and enhance trust in vegan-labelled products.

The notification formalising these changes has been signed by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani, marking the official adoption of the revised framework.

Objective: Enhancing Consumer Confidence

One of the primary goals of this regulation is to build greater consumer confidence in vegan food products. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, ensuring authenticity and transparency has become increasingly important.

The introduction of a verified logo helps eliminate confusion caused by misleading or unclear labelling. Consumers will now be able to identify certified vegan products quickly and make informed purchasing decisions.

Additionally, the regulation supports the broader push towards sustainable and ethical consumption practices.

Impact on Food Manufacturers and Industry

The new rules will require food manufacturers to comply with strict labelling norms before marketing their products as vegan. Companies will need to undergo an approval process and ensure that their products meet the defined criteria.

This could lead to increased compliance costs initially, but it is also expected to create a more organised and credible market for vegan products in India.

Manufacturers will benefit from improved consumer trust and potentially higher demand as the vegan segment continues to grow.

FSSAI Advisory on Ashwagandha Usage

In a related development, FSSAI has also issued a fresh advisory regarding the use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in food products, particularly in health supplements and nutraceuticals.

The advisory highlights the standards outlined under the Food Safety and Standards regulations governing health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, and medical-purpose foods.

According to these regulations, only specific parts of the plant are permitted for use.

Permitted Use Limited to Roots

FSSAI clarified that only the roots of Ashwagandha and their extracts are allowed for use in approved product categories, subject to prescribed limits. This guideline is clearly outlined in Schedule IV of the relevant regulations, which lists permitted botanicals.

The restriction ensures safety and consistency in the use of herbal ingredients across food and supplement products.

Ban on Use of Ashwagandha Leaves

The advisory further emphasised that the use of Ashwagandha leaves is not permitted in any form—whether crude, extract, or otherwise.

FSSAI noted that some manufacturers have been using leaves and their derivatives in products, which violates existing regulations. The authority has issued a strict clarification to prevent such practices and ensure compliance.

This step is intended to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of nutraceutical products in the market.

Strengthening Food Safety Regulations

Both the vegan logo mandate and the Ashwagandha advisory reflect FSSAI’s broader efforts to strengthen food safety and regulatory standards in India. By introducing clear guidelines and enforcing compliance, the authority aims to create a transparent and trustworthy food ecosystem.

These measures also align with global trends, where food labelling and ingredient transparency are becoming increasingly important.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Transparent Food Labelling

The mandatory vegan logo regulation marks a major step forward in India’s food labelling landscape. It not only simplifies product identification for consumers but also promotes accountability among manufacturers.

At the same time, the clarification on Ashwagandha usage reinforces the importance of adhering to established safety standards.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring quality, safety, and transparency in the food industry, paving the way for a more informed and health-conscious consumer base.