Decoding Food Labels: Your Simple Guide to Symbols
Have you ever felt confused by the symbols on your food packets? We can help with decoding food labels. Understanding these symbols helps you choose the right food for you and your family. They tell you what’s inside the packet and if the food is safe. Let’s break them down into simple terms.
1. The Green and Brown Dots
- Green Dot : This is the Vegetarian Mark.
- What It Means: This product has no meat, fish, or eggs. It can contain milk products like cheese or paneer.
- Why Trust It: India’s food authority, FSSAI, makes this a strict rule. Companies must prove the food is vegetarian.
- Brown Dot : This is the Non-Vegetarian Mark.
- What It Means: This product contains meat, fish, or eggs.
- Why Trust It: This is also a legal rule from FSSAI. It gives you a clear and honest choice.
2. The New Vegan Logo
- Vegan Logo : This is the Vegan Mark.
- What It Means: This food has zero animal products. It does not contain milk, butter, ghee, or honey.
- Why Trust It: FSSAI uses a very strict checking process for this logo. It guarantees the food is 100% plant-based.
3. The Mark of Safety: FSSAI Logo
- FSSAI Logo & License No. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
- What It Means: This shows the food company is approved by the government. The company follows all safety and hygiene rules.
- Why Trust It: This is the most important mark. You can use the license number to check the company’s details online. It proves the food is from a legal and safe source.
4. The Health Boost: Fortification Logo
- Fortification Logo (+F)
- What It Means: The food has extra vitamins and minerals added to it. For example, you may find milk with extra Vitamin D or salt with extra iodine.
- Why Trust It: The government sets the rules for how much nutrition to add. This logo promises a healthier product that fights nutritional gaps.
5. The Natural Choice: Jaivik Bharat Logo
- Jaivik Bharat (Organic) Logo
- What It Means: The food is certified organic. Farmers grew it without using chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
- Why Trust It: A special government body checks the entire process, from the farm to the packet. This logo means you are getting a genuinely organic product.
6. The Safety Warning: Allergen Declaration
- Looks Like: Bold words like Contains: Wheat, Nuts.
- What It Means: It warns you if the food contains common allergens. Allergens are things that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Why Trust It: This is a critical safety rule. It helps people with food allergies avoid dangerous ingredients and stay safe.
Now you know the secrets behind these simple symbols! The next time you are at a grocery store, take an extra second to look at the packet. These labels are your guide to making smarter decisions. They help you check for safety, respect your dietary needs, and understand the food’s nutritional value. By decoding these labels, you take full control of what you and your family eat. Happy and healthy shopping!
