FSSAI Guidelines for Food Packaging in India (2026 Updated)

You are purchasing restaurant food packaging. Your supplier claims it is "FSSAI approved". What does that imply though? But what if you are not correct?

The fact is FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has a set of regulations regarding what they will allow to come into contact with your food. It's not only a penalty thing, business closure, reputational damage, and potential health risks for customers.

What Is FSSAI Food Packaging Compliance?

Food contact materials are those that come into contact with your food—either directly or indirectly. FSSAI is responsible for regulating all and any.

The core rules are simple:

• Materials must not leach harmful chemicals into food

• Free from BPA, PFAS, or other toxins

• Must withstand temperature and food exposure without breaking down

• Must be tested and certified by approved labs

Key FSSAI Guidelines for Food Packaging (2026 Update)

Approved Materials Only

These materials are approved:

• Paper/cardboard (with food-grade coating for wet/oily food)

• Molded pulp/fibre (bagasse, wheat straw, etc.)

• Plastic (PET, PP, PS only—if compliant)

• Glass

• Stainless steel

• Unbleached kraft paper

These are NOT approved:

• Uncoated paper for hot food

• Materials with unknown or untested properties

• Any recycled plastic for direct food contact

• Regular commercial inks or coatings

Action for you: Only work with suppliers who provide FSSAI certification. Ask for it every time.

Rule 1: No Harmful Chemicals

All food packaging rules in India start here. Your packaging must be completely free from:

• BPA (Bisphenol A)

• PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium)

• Cancer-causing dyes or inks

These aren't suggestions—they're non-negotiables. Manufacturers must test and document everything.

What to ask your supplier:

• CPCB test certificates

• Independent lab reports

• Documentation proving BPA/PFAS-free status

Don't accept vague answers. Ask for the paper.

Rule 2: Food-Grade Printing & Inks

If you're printing your logo or branding on containers, follow these rules:

• Inks must be food-grade — no exceptions

• Print goes on the outside only — never on the food-contact surface

• Print must be permanent — it shouldn't transfer to food or rub off

Common mistake: Using cheap, non-food-grade inks. This violates FSSAI packaging regulations 2026 and puts you at risk.

Action for you: Always use certified food-packaging printers. Don't use regular commercial print shops, no matter how cheap.

Rule 3: Material Declaration

Your supplier must provide:

• Material composition — exactly what it's made from

• Migration test results — proof that nothing toxic leaches into food

• Temperature limits — the highest heat it can safely handle

Never order in bulk without this documentation in hand.

Rule 4: Labeling Claims Must Be Real

If your packaging says "compostable," "eco-friendly," or "microwave-safe," you need proof.

FSSAI doesn't accept greenwashing. Claims without test certificates = violation.

Common mistake: Marking containers as compostable without third-party certification. The 2026 rules are getting stricter on this.

Action for you: Only make claims you can document.

FSSAI Packaging Regulations 2026 — What's Changing

Three big shifts are happening:

1. Stricter PFAS Regulations Many countries have already banned PFAS. India is moving in that direction. Start phasing out PFAS-containing packaging now.

2. Third-Party Compostability Certification Required If you claim your packaging is compostable, get third-party proof. No more self-certification.

3. Plastic Bans Expanding More states are enforcing single-use plastic bans. The regulatory environment is tightening fast.

For your business: Document everything today. Switch to certified suppliers. Get compliance in writing. Wherever possible, move away from plastic—it's a regulatory minefield.

Key Standards for Common Materials

Plastic Containers (PET, PP, PS)

• Only virgin plastic allowed for direct food contact

• BPA/PFAS testing required

• Temperature limits: 100–130°C (depends on type)

Molded Fibre / Bagasse Containers

• Must be certified for food contact

• Any coating must be food-grade

• Oil/moisture barriers must pass tests

• Temperature range: 60–95°C (perfect for Indian food—biryani, gravies, curries)

Paper / Cardboard

• Unbleached is preferred

• If bleached, needs FSSAI approval

• Hot food contact requires protective coating

• Recycled paper requires certification

Your Food Packaging Rules in India Compliance Checklist

✓ Do you have FSSAI certification from your supplier?
Have you requested test reports (CPCB, ISO, material lab)?
Is the packaging documented as BPA/PFAS-free? ✓ Have you checked the temperature range?
Is any custom printing food-grade?
Do you have material composition details?
Have you verified supplier facility approval?

Red flags — walk away: 

Supplier can't provide certificates
No test reports available
Unclear material composition
Suspiciously low prices
Claims compliance but no documentation

Ready to Get Compliant?

FSSAI packaging rules aren't optional. Fines are real. Closure is real. Damage to your reputation is real. Customer health is at stake.

You need packaging you can trust material that's certified, tested, and proven safe. Request a sample of Primo's FSSAI-certified molded fibre containers  today! They handle biryani, curries, gravies, and everything else Indian food demands, and come with full compliance documentation. Packaging is directly linked to your legal responsibility and your customers' health. Choose wisely

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