The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has strengthened the regulatory framework for plant-based foods by introducing mandatory vegan logo requirements for all approved vegan food products. The move comes under the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026, which will take effect from July 1, 2027.
As per the notification published in the Gazette of India on May 25, 2026, every approved vegan food package sold in India must prominently display the designated green “VEGAN” logo featuring a leaf motif. The regulation aims to establish a uniform identification system for vegan products, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions while enhancing confidence in vegan food claims.
To facilitate implementation, FSSAI has provided detailed specifications regarding the logo’s design, size, colour, and placement on packaging. Manufacturers will be required to comply with these standards once their products receive approval under the vegan food regulations.
The amendment is the culmination of a consultation process that began with a draft notification issued in December 2022. Industry stakeholders were invited to submit objections and suggestions over a 60-day period, following which the authority reviewed the feedback and finalized the amendments to the Vegan Foods Regulations, 2022. The updated framework is expected to improve transparency, standardize labeling practices, and support the growing vegan food sector in India.
The notification has been signed by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI.
In a separate regulatory development, FSSAI has also issued an advisory clarifying the permissible use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in food products. Referring 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, the authority reiterated that only Ashwagandha roots and their extracts are approved for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals, and specialized dietary products, subject to prescribed limits.
The advisory follows reports that some manufacturers have been incorporating Ashwagandha leaves and leaf extracts into their formulations. FSSAI clarified that the use of Ashwagandha leaves in crude form, extracts, or any other preparation is not permitted under the current regulations. The clarification is intended to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain consistency in the use of botanical ingredients across the nutraceutical and functional food sectors.
Together, these regulatory updates reflect FSSAI’s continued focus on strengthening food labeling standards, improving consumer transparency, and ensuring compliance across India’s rapidly evolving food and nutraceutical industries.
