FSSAI Guidelines for Food Delivery Packaging | Labeling, Material & Compliance Rules

Introduction to FSSAI Packaging Norms

With the rapid growth of **online food businesses** and **cloud kitchens**, ensuring safe and compliant **food delivery packaging** has become more important than ever.

The **Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)** has laid down strict guidelines for all food business operators (FBOs) regarding the type of packaging material used, labeling information, and hygiene practices during packing.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Mandatory labeling requirements
• Approved packaging materials
• How to pack food safely for delivery
• Packaging norms for home-based and small businesses
• Penalties for non-compliance
• Latest updates for 2024

💡 Tip: Always print your FSSAI license number and logo on food delivery bags or containers to avoid penalties during inspections.

Why Are FSSAI Packaging Guidelines Important?

Proper food packaging ensures that meals reach customers in a safe, hygienic condition. It also protects against contamination, tampering, and spoilage during transit.

Under the **FSS Act, 2006**, all packaged food items — including those delivered via Swiggy, Zomato, or social media — must meet the following criteria:

• Use of safe and approved materials
• Clear and accurate labeling
• Prevention of cross-contamination
• Compliance with storage and transport conditions

Mandatory Information to Print on Food Delivery Packaging

All food delivery packages must carry the following details clearly printed on the label:

Information	Description
Name of Product	E.g., “Paneer Butter Masala”, “Vanilla Cupcake”
List of Ingredients	Must include allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.
Nutritional Information	Required for pre-packed or processed foods
Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian Mark	Green dot for vegetarian, brown dot for non-vegetarian
Date of Manufacturing & Expiry	DD/MM/YYYY format
Net Quantity	E.g., 200g, 250ml
Storage Instructions	“Keep refrigerated” or “Store at room temperature”
Contact Details	Phone number, email, or address of the business
FSSAI License Number	Mandatory for all packaged deliveries

Approved Materials for Food Delivery Packaging Under FSSAI

FSSAI has specified which packaging materials are safe for food contact:

Material	Status	Notes
Food-grade plastic containers (PP, PET, HDPE)	✅ Allowed	Avoid reuse of containers beyond recommended cycles
Biodegradable containers (paper, banana leaf, bamboo)	✅ Allowed	Eco-friendly and preferred by many platforms
Old or reused containers	❌ Prohibited	May cause contamination or legal action
Aluminum Foil Wraps	✅ Allowed	Safe for short-term hot food delivery
Plastic cutlery and covers	⚠️ Limited	Some cities have banned single-use plastics — check local laws

📌 Pro Tip: Always use clean, sealed containers that prevent leakage and maintain food temperature during transit.

Labeling Requirements for Food Delivery Boxes

All food delivery packaging must be labeled properly. Here’s what to include:

• Product Name: Clear and accurate
• Brand Name: Your restaurant or business name
• Ingredients: Especially if allergens are present
• Nutrition Facts: Required for pre-packaged items
• Expiry Date: Must be visible and correct
• FSSAI Logo and License Number: Mandatory for all food products
• Storage Instructions: E.g., “Consume within 2 hours”

Hygiene and Safety Rules for Food Packaging

According to FSSAI, all food packaging must ensure:

• No direct hand contact during packing
• Use of gloves and masks by staff handling food
• Sealed packaging to prevent tampering
• Leak-proof containers for liquids and gravies
• Separate packaging for raw and cooked items
• Temperature-controlled packaging for hot/cold dishes

⚠️ Note: Improper packaging may lead to food contamination and customer complaints — both of which can attract FSSAI penalties.

How to Pack Food Safely for Delivery

Follow these best practices for safe food delivery packaging:

1. Use heat-sealable or ziplock bags for dry items
2. Double-wrap oily or spicy food to avoid leakage
3. Use insulated bags or thermal boxes for long-distance delivery
4. Place a thank-you note or hygiene sticker to build trust
5. Attach a QR code linking to menu or license certificate
6. Avoid reusing takeaway containers unless they’re dishwasher-safe and BPA-free

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Special Cases: Pre-Packaged vs Custom Orders

FSSAI guidelines differ slightly based on whether the food is:

Type	Labeling Required	Hygiene Norms
Pre-Packed Meals	Full labeling required	Same as retail food packaging
Custom Orders (on demand)	Only essential info needed	Hygiene still mandatory

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Food Delivery Packaging

Many restaurants fail FSSAI checks due to common packaging errors:

• Missing FSSAI license number
• Incorrect or missing date labels
• Using expired or contaminated containers
• Lack of allergen declarations
• Improper sealing leading to spillage
• Using unapproved plastic types (like PVC)

🛑 Warning: Using prohibited materials or failing to label correctly can result in fines up to ₹3 lakh or product seizure.

How to Stay Compliant With FSSAI Packaging Rules

Here’s how to ensure your food delivery packaging meets FSSAI standards:

• Use only food-grade packaging materials
• Print or stick all mandatory details on each package
• Train your kitchen staff on packaging hygiene
• Maintain records of suppliers and materials used
• Regularly update packaging design to match latest FSSAI notifications

FAQs About FSSAI Packaging Norms

Q1. Do I need to print FSSAI license number on delivery boxes?

Yes, it’s mandatory for all packaged food deliveries under FSSAI law.

Q2. Can I use plastic containers for food delivery?

Yes, but only if they're made from approved materials like PP, PET, or HDPE.

Q3. What happens if my packaging fails FSSAI audit?

You may receive an improvement notice, fine, or even temporary suspension of your license.

Q4. Is nutritional labeling required for all delivery items?

No, only for pre-packed or processed foods. Home-made meals don’t require it.

Q5. Can I use paper bags for food delivery?

Yes, paper bags are allowed as long as they are clean, grease-resistant, and not recycled.

Conclusion

Following **FSSAI guidelines for food delivery packaging** is essential for maintaining food safety and staying legally compliant.

Whether you run a cloud kitchen, home-based food business, or a multi-city restaurant chain, always ensure your packaging is safe, labeled correctly, and follows FSSAI-approved standards.

Use this guide to prepare your packaging for inspections and protect your business from legal action while building trust with customers.

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Related Articles

• FSSAI Penalty List 2024
• FSSAI License for Cloud Kitchen
• FSSAI Audit Checklist for Restaurants
• FSSAI Star Rating System for Delivery Units

Need Help With FSSAI Packaging Compliance?

Contact us today or visit the official FSSAI website to download packaging templates and get your delivery packs ready for compliance.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official FSSAI website or consult a licensed professional for accurate guidance.