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Colour-Coded Food Labels in India: What They Really Mean and Why They Matter
In India, food labels aren’t just part of the packaging design—they’re a silent language of safety, nutrition, and personal choice. From dietary restrictions to public health concerns, the colours printed on food packets convey important messages that every consumer should understand.
Green Mark: Vegetarian Food
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, a green circle inside a square indicates that the food product is 100% vegetarian. This includes food made without any animal flesh, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients (other than milk and honey).
This marking is vital in a country where vegetarianism is widely practiced due to religious, cultural, and personal reasons.
Red Mark: Non-Vegetarian Food
A red circle (or triangle) inside a square is used to denote non-vegetarian food, i.e., items containing meat, fish, poultry, or egg derivatives. For strict vegetarians, this helps in making informed choices and avoiding products that conflict with their beliefs.
Despite their familiarity, these two marks are just the tip of the iceberg.
Newer Colour Codes You Should Know
In recent efforts to enhance consumer transparency and public health, additional colour codes have been introduced or proposed. These marks help address not just dietary preferences, but also safety, health risks, and medical considerations.
Yellow Mark: Contains Egg
A relatively newer marking, the yellow mark indicates that the food contains egg but no other meat. This is particularly important for vegetarians who may be ovo-vegetarians (those who eat eggs) or those who avoid them altogether for religious or dietary reasons.
Blue Mark: Medicinal or Therapeutic Food
A blue label signifies that the product is linked to medical or therapeutic use—such as nutritional supplements, foods for special medical purposes, or fortified items for health conditions. Such products should be consumed only under medical supervision, as improper use can lead to imbalances or side effects.
Black Mark: High in Chemical Additives
Perhaps the most alarming is the black mark, which denotes that the product contains high levels of food additives—preservatives, flavour enhancers, synthetic colours, or other chemicals. While these are approved in small quantities, overconsumption may pose serious health risks.
Health Concerns Linked to Black Marked Foods:
- Digestive disorders
- Liver and kidney strain
- Increased risk of lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes, hypertension)
- Potential carcinogenic effects from certain additives
Experts recommend that black-marked foods—often ultra-processed snacks, candies, or ready-to-eat items—should be consumed in moderation and never be a staple part of one's daily diet.
Legal Framework Supporting These Labels
All of these colour codings are grounded in India’s food safety and consumer protection laws:
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 empowers the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to mandate and regulate food labelling.
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 supports the consumer’s right to information, safety, and redressal in case of misleading labels or unsafe food products.
- Labels must include ingredient lists, allergen warnings, FSSAI license numbers, and relevant colour marks, especially for pre-packaged foods.
Why Consumer Awareness Is Crucial
Even the best labelling laws are ineffective if consumers don’t know how to interpret them. Here’s why understanding these colour marks is essential:
Colour | Meaning | Why It Matters |
Green | Pure Vegetarian | Respect religious/dietary choices |
Red | Non-Vegetarian | Helps vegetarians avoid restricted items |
Yellow | Contains Egg | Important for egg-free diets |
Blue | Medicinal Use | Avoid self-medication; consult a doctor |
Black | High Chemical/Additive Content | Excessive intake linked to serious health risks |
Protecting Yourself as a Consumer
- Always check the colour code before buying packaged food.
- Use the FSSAI portal or mobile app to verify product licenses or report unsafe products.
- If a label is misleading or missing vital markings, file a complaint via the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) or approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
- Encourage others to read and understand food labels—especially children, elderly family members, and housekeepers who make daily food decisions.
In Conclusion
Colour-coded markings on food packages are not mere design elements—they are legally backed signals meant to protect your health, beliefs, and rights. Whether you're avoiding animal products, managing a medical condition, or steering clear of synthetic additives, these labels can be your first line of defense.
As India moves toward stricter food labelling norms and healthier lifestyles, consumer awareness must rise to meet the challenge. Know the colours.
Read the label.
Protect your health.
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