The regulation, introduced to ensure adherence to prescribed standards and strengthen consumer confidence in vegan products, will take effect from July 1, 2027.As per a notification published in the Gazette of India on May 25, 2026, all approved vegan food products will be required to carry the designated green “VEGAN” logo bearing a leaf symbol on their packaging. The notification also lays down detailed specifications regarding the logo’s design, dimensions, placement and colour to ensure uniformity across products.
The amendment stems from a draft notification issued in December 2022, when FSSAI had sought comments, objections and suggestions from stakeholders during a 60-day consultation period. Following a review of the feedback received, the food regulator amended the Vegan Foods Regulations, 2022, to bring greater standardisation to product labelling and enhance consumer trust in vegan food items. The notification has been signed by FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani.
FSSAI Releases Advisory on AshwagandhaIn a separate development, FSSAI recently issued an advisory clarifying the permissible use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in food products. The regulator referred to 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, which govern health supplements, nutraceuticals and specialised food categories.
The authority pointed out that Schedule IV of these regulations contains the approved list of plants and botanicals that may be used in such products. Under the existing provisions, only Ashwagandha roots and their extracts are permitted for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use and food for special medical purposes, subject to prescribed limits.
FSSAI also noted that some manufacturers have been incorporating Ashwagandha leaves and leaf extracts in their products. Clarifying the regulatory position, it stated that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in any form is not allowed under the regulations. 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.”
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