FSSAI mandates 'Vegan' logo on all approved vegan food packages from July 2027
New Delhi, June 5
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has notified the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations, 2026, making it mandatory for all approved vegan food packages to display a specified 'Vegan' logo. The regulation, aimed at ensuring standard compliance and boosting consumer trust, will come into effect from July 1, 2027.
According to the notification, published in the Gazette of India on May 25, 2026, every package of vegan food will now be required to carry the specified green "VEGAN" logo featuring a leaf symbol, once approval is granted.
Detailed diagrams specifying the logo, including size, placement, and colour standards, were provided in the notification to guide manufacturers.
The amendment follows a draft notification issued in December 2022, during which objections and suggestions were invited from stakeholders over a 60-day period. After reviewing feedback, FSSAI finalised the changes to the 2022 Vegan Foods Regulations to standardise labelling and promote consumer confidence in vegan products.
The notification has been signed by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI.
Earlier, FSSAI issued a fresh advisory regarding the use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in food products. In the advisory, FSSAI specified standards for health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, and food for special medical purposes under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016.
It underlined that Schedule IV of these regulations provides a list of plants or botanicals permitted for use in such products.
As per Schedule IV of the regulations, only the roots and their extracts of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are permitted for use in categories such as health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, and food for special medical purposes, subject to prescribed limits.
The advisory further highlighted that certain manufacturers are using ashwagandha leaves and their extracts in products, and clarified that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude, extract, or any other form is not permitted.
It reads, "It has been brought to the notice of FSSAI that certain manufacturers of these products are using ashwagandha leaves and their extract in their products. In this regard, it is clarified that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude or extract or any other form is not permitted under the said regulations."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Will this make vegan products more expensive? Already people complain about prices. Also, what about small local brands - will they have to bear extra cost for logo compliance? Needs careful implementation.
Finally! Was about time India had proper vegan labelling. Many products claim vegan but contain milk powder or honey. This logo will bring transparency. Also good that they're regulating ashwagandha leaves use - safety first! 👏
Too many regulations. Now every product needs logo, then another logo. Small businesses will suffer. Why can't they just have a simple certification system like organic? This is overregulation.
As a vegetarian family, we appreciate this step. Many so-called vegan products from outside look suspicious. At least with FSSAI logo, we can trust. But hope they keep affordable options too, not just premium brands.
Happy about ashwagandha regulation! Many companies were selling leaf extracts which can be harmful. As someone who takes ayurvedic supplements, this is important for safety. Logo for vegan products is good too but let's see implementation.
Good intention but 2027 is too far. Why wait so long? Many countries already have this. And what about enforcement? FSSAI needs stronger labs
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.