FSSAI Vegan Food Labelling Regulations 2026: Mandatory Logo and Compliance Deadlines

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026 on 25 May 2026, introducing India's first mandatory vegan food labelling standard. Under the new rules, every approved vegan food package must carry a standardised vegan logo from 1 July 2027. The amendment marks a shift from voluntary labelling to a binding regulatory framework, with clear implications for food manufacturers, retailers, and importers across the country.

What the Amendment Requires

The 2026 amendment revises the earlier Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022, which first defined vegan food products and set basic labelling norms. The key change is the introduction of a mandatory vegan logo: a green-coloured symbol featuring a stylised 'V' with a sprouting leaf, with the word 'VEGAN' displayed below it. FSSAI has prescribed exact measurements in millimetres for the logo to ensure uniformity across all products. The notification also includes detailed specifications for size, placement, and colour standards.

Which Products Are Covered

The regulations apply to all food products that are marketed or labelled as 'vegan' in India. A vegan food product, as defined under the 2022 regulations, is one that does not contain any ingredient derived from animals, including dairy, eggs, honey, and animal-derived additives such as gelatin, carmine, or casein. Products making vegan claims on their packaging, advertising, or marketing material will be required to carry the mandatory logo once the regulations come into force. The notification also clarified that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude or extract or any other form is not permitted under the regulations.

Businesses involved in food labelling should also be aware of the broader FSSAI licensing amendments that introduced lifetime validity and new thresholds for food businesses.

Compliance Timeline

The amended regulations will come into force on 1 July 2027, giving manufacturers and food business operators approximately 13 months from the notification date to update their packaging, labels, and marketing materials. During this transition period, FSSAI expects all stakeholders to align their products with the new logo specifications. Existing stock without the logo may be sold until the enforcement date, but new production after 1 July 2027 must comply. The amendment followed a draft notification issued in December 2022, during which FSSAI invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders over a 60-day period.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

While the vegan food amendment itself does not prescribe separate penalties, non-compliance with FSSAI labelling regulations is governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Under the Act, misleading or false labelling attracts penalties that may include fines and, in serious cases, licence suspension or cancellation. Food business operators who continue to make vegan claims without the mandatory logo after the enforcement date may face enforcement action from FSSAI.

For a broader understanding of labelling obligations, food businesses can refer to our analysis of product liability under the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

Impact on Importers and E-Commerce Sellers

Imported vegan food products sold in India will also need to carry the FSSAI vegan logo. Importers must ensure that products entering Indian markets after 1 July 2027 comply with the labelling specifications. E-commerce platforms listing vegan food products will need to verify that the products displayed on their platforms carry the mandatory logo. This adds a layer of compliance for online food marketplaces.

E-commerce sellers should also review their obligations under the consumer protection rules applicable to e-commerce in India.

Key Takeaways

The FSSAI Vegan Foods Amendment Regulations 2026 represent India's first mandatory vegan labelling standard. All food products marketed as vegan must carry the prescribed green logo from 1 July 2027. Manufacturers have 13 months to update their packaging. Non-compliance is subject to penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Importers and e-commerce platforms are equally bound by the new requirements. Food businesses should begin updating their labelling processes now to ensure compliance before the deadline.