In India, supplement labels must show the product category (e.g., “Health Supplement”), FSSAI licence number, full ingredient list, dosage, warnings and claims that do not claim disease-cure. Checking for these key fields ensures compliance and helps you choose safely.
In India, supplement labels must clearly display the product category, licence number, ingredient list, dosage and compliant claims under FSSAI rules. Learning how to read them helps you pick credible products and avoid misleading marketing. Fit Force Supplements guides you through label reading for smarter purchases.
Reading supplement labels is a vital skill for any fitness enthusiast or nutrition-conscious consumer in India. For vegetarian bodybuilders, gym goers, public and supplement store owners, understanding the rules from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is not just regulatory compliance but a trust-building tool.
In this blog by Fit Force Supplements, we’ll cover: the key fields on supplement labels in India, the regulatory framework (FSSAI + relevant regulations), how to spot misleading claims, and how to use that knowledge to make smarter purchases (and content).
1. Why Supplement Labels Matter in India
1.1 The role of FSSAI regulation
- The FSSAI regulates food articles, including health-supplements, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and associated regulations. Wikipedia+2foodresearchlab.com+2
- In recent years, the market for dietary supplements has boomed in India, and label transparency is key both for consumer safety and for trust. foodresearchlab.com
1.2 What the label tells you
A label is more than branding – it conveys:
- The product category (Health Supplement, Nutraceutical, etc)
- Manufacturer/licence info
- Ingredient list + nutrient declaration
- Serving size, dosage, warnings & contraindications
- Claims & marketing language
- Lots of regulatory details (batch, manufacturing/expiry date)
Understanding these gives you confidence in quality and compliance.
Learn to Spot Fake Supplements in India with this guide!
2. Key Regulatory Framework for Labeling
2.1 Labelling and Display Regulations
The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 stipulates requirements for pre-packaged foods, including supplements. FSSAI+1
Important points:
- From 1 July 2022, FBOs had to comply with many of those regulations.
- The label must list the FSSAI logo and the license number of the brand owner.
2.2 Health Supplements & Nutraceuticals Regulations
The Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, and Prebiotic and Probiotic Food) Regulations, 2022 and earlier 2016 version cover health supplements/nutraceuticals. FSSAI+1
Key take-aways:
- Product categories must be clearly distinguished (Health Supplement, Nutraceutical, etc)
- Labels cannot claim disease-treatment or cure.
3. The Anatomy of a Compliant Supplement Label in India
Here’s a breakdown of the major fields and what to look out for when you’re reading/creating them.
3.1 Product Identity & Category
- It should clearly say what it is: e.g., “Health Supplement”, “Nutraceutical”, “Food for Special Dietary Use”.
- Target consumer group, age group should often be stated.
3.2 Brand Information & License
- FSSAI logo and licence number must be present.
- Manufacturer’s/brand’s name and address.
3.3 Ingredient List & Nutrient Declaration
- Full list of ingredients, with active compounds, amount per serving.
- Nutrient declaration: macro/micro nutrients as required.
3.4 Dosage, Usage Instructions & Warnings
- Recommended usage (serving size, frequency). Artixio
- Warnings: e.g., “Keep out of reach of children”, “Not for medicinal use”.
3.5 Claims & Health Statements
- Claims must be lawful, evidence-based and cannot claim disease prevention or cure.
3.6 Batch, Manufacturing & Expiry Dates
- Traceability via batch no., manufacturing date, expiry date. Found in labelling regulations.
3.7 Other Label Elements
- Storage instructions, caution if for special groups (pregnant women), allergens, vegetarian/vegan symbol if applicable.
- Check font size, legibility, placement. Esko
4. A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Read a Supplement Label before Buying
Here’s how your audience (fitness enthusiasts, Indian vegetarians, bodybuilders) can read labels smartly.
Step 1: Confirm the Category and Compliance
- Check for the word “Health Supplement” or “Nutraceutical”.
- Ensure FSSAI licence number present (starts with something like “100 and so on”)
Step 2: Review the Ingredient List & Dosage
- Identify active ingredient amounts per serving.
- Compare them to your needs (e.g., protein powder, creatine, vitamins).
Step 3: Check Claims & Warnings
- Is there a claim like “cures diabetes”? If yes – it’s suspicious.
- Ensure warnings like “Not for medicinal use” are stated.
Step 4: Evaluate Nutrition Facts & Serving Size
- For protein powders: Check grams of protein per serving.
- For supplements like creatine: Check serving size and additional content.
Step 5: Check Manufacturing, Batch & Expiry
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Ensure recent manufacturing. A supplement with near expiry may degrade in quality.
Step 6: Synergy with Your Fitness Goals
- If you’re vegetarian and using a Pre-Workout or Muscle Gainer formula, ensure the label matches your macro/micro targets and is vegetarian-friendly.
Step 7: Trust the Brand & Certification
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Does the brand provide third-party testing, vegetarian certification, transparency? At Fit Force Supplements, we emphasise quality and compliance for all our products.
Step 8: Avoid Red Flags
- Beware of: vague ingredients (“proprietary blend”), mega-claims (“Lose 10 kg in a week”), missing licence/expiry, very low dosage, missing warnings.
5. Common Mistakes to Watch On Supplement Labels in India
- Claiming “100% natural” or “100% pure” without substantiation. FSSAI has banned such claims.
- Missing or illegible FSSAI licence number or manufacturer info.
- Serving size too small or vague (“Take as directed”).
- Nutrition facts missing or hidden.
- Fonts too small, colour contrast poor — reducing readability.
- Claims of disease cure (“Prevents heart disease”) which violate regulations.
6. Checklist: Before You Click “Buy”
| Item | Tick |
|---|---|
| Product category clearly stated (Health Supplement/Nutraceutical) | ☐ |
| FSSAI licence number visible | ☐ |
| Full ingredient list + active amounts | ☐ |
| Serving size + recommended usage | ☐ |
| Warnings / “Not for medicinal use” label | ☐ |
| Batch no., manufacturing & expiry date | ☐ |
| Claims are realistic and compliant | ☐ |
| Suitable for your goal (vegetarian-friendly, training support) | ☐ |
| Brand credibility + third-party testing info | ☐ |
7. Why Fit Force Supplements is Your Trusted Partner
At Fit Force Supplements, we not only supply high-quality, vegetarian-friendly formulations, we also champion transparency, compliance and education. When you read labels, ask questions and understand what’s inside, you become a smarter athlete/consumer. Our categories:
We encourage you to always check the label, ask for certificate, and make informed decisions, because your performance, health and trust matter to us.
Conclusion
Reading supplement labels in India isn’t a mystery, it’s a skill. Whether you’re sourcing products for your business or buying for your own fitness goals, understanding what each field means (ingredient, dosage, warnings, claims) and ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations separates informed choices from guesswork.
At Fit Force Supplements, we commit to transparency, vegetarian-friendly formulations and helping you become an educated consumer. Next time you pick up a pre-workout, whey protein, creatine or muscle gainer, flip the label, use the checklist above and choose with confidence.
FAQs
Question 1:How can I tell if a supplement is FSSAI-approved?
Answer: Look for the FSSAI licence number (usually an 8-digit code under the FSSAI logo) on the label. Also check the product category is properly named (e.g., “Health Supplement”). If either is missing or dubious, proceed with caution.
Question 2: Is it enough to check just the “Net Weight” on a supplement label?
Answer: No, while net weight matters, you should also check serving size, active ingredient amounts, batch no., manufacturing/expiry dates and usage instructions. A large net weight doesn’t always mean high dosage.
Question 3: What red flags should I look for in claims on supplement labels?
Answer: Avoid labels claiming “cures diabetes”, “prevents cancer”, or “miracle result”. These likely breach label-claim regulations by FSSAI. Also avoid vague “proprietary blend”, tiny serving size, missing licence or expiry.
Question 4: For protein powders, what numbers matter most on the label?
Answer: Check: grams of protein per serving, serving size, whether amino-acid profile is given, allergens (e.g., whey, soy), and if the brand lists third-party testing. Also ensure it’s vegetarian if you’re vegetarian.
Question 5: Are vegetarian supplements labelled differently than non-vegetarian ones?
Answer: Yes/possibly — vegetarian formulas often carry the green “vegetarian” symbol (green dot). The label should also clearly state if it’s vegetarian and free of animal-derived ingredients. Serving size and active amount apply equally.
Question 6: How should I read dosage vs. recommended usage on a label?
Answer: The label should clearly state “take X servings per day”, with each serving defined. If usage is vague (“take as directed by a healthcare professional”), and you’re doing fitness/pre-workout, this may be less helpful.
Question 7: Can I trust supplements imported into India with foreign labels?
Answer: Only if they carry appropriate FSSAI licence/approval and Indian label compliance. The foreign label may not meet Indian regulatory standards (language, claims, units, licence).
Question 8: What font size or placement should I look for on labels?
Answer: The labelling regulations emphasise legibility, font size must be readable, with contrasting colours and not hidden in tiny print. If you struggle reading key info, it’s a red flag.
Question 9: How often do I need to check for updated labels/rules?
Answer: Label standards evolve. For example, FSSAI proposed changes to font, front-of-pack nutrition etc in 2024. Always check for the latest version or product reformulation.
Question 10: If I spot a misleading label, what can I do?
Answer: You can raise a complaint with your state food safety authority or FSSAI. Also notify the brand and/or seller. Choosing brands like Fit Force that publish compliance documentation helps mitigate risk.
