Supermarket aisles overflow with glossy packaging proclaiming bold slogans like "100% Natural", "Heart Healthy", and "Zero Cholesterol". However, turning the box around to inspect the fine print frequently reveals a strikingly different nutritional reality.
Essential Checkpoints on Every Package
1. The 14-Digit FSSAI License Number
Every legally marketed packaged food in the country must display a valid 14-digit license number alongside the official regulatory logo. Consumers can verify registration authenticity instantly via the official national food safety consumer portal.
2. Ingredient Order Reflects Proportional Weight
By statutory requirement, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If a box labeled "Whole Wheat Biscuits" lists refined wheat flour (maida) and sugar as its first two ingredients, it is predominantly a junk snack, not a whole grain staple.
3. "Best Before" vs. "Use By / Expiry"
"Best Before" denotes the window of optimum flavor, crispness, and aroma. In contrast, "Expiry Date" marks a firm biological safety cutoff, after which the item may harbor bacterial pathogens or degraded chemical preservatives.
