Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new regulatory directive to boost transparency across the coffee market. The agency now requires manufacturers of packaged coffee-chicory blends to clearly display the exact percentage of coffee and chicory on the Principal Display Panel (PDP), the front of the package.

The regulation officially takes effect on July 1, 2027, giving food businesses enough time to update their packaging and meet the new labelling standards.

Key Requirements of the Directive

• Front-of-Pack Clarity: Manufacturers must display ingredient percentages on the main panel instead of hiding them in fine print on the back or sides.

• Explicit Percentages: Packaging must state the exact mix (for example: Coffee: 70%, Chicory: 30%).

Why FSSAI Introduced This Change

While producers commonly blend chicory into coffee, many buyers do not realise how much chicory their coffee actually contains. FSSAI designed this policy to:

• Empower Consumers: Help buyers make informed purchasing choices.

• Enhance Transparency: Standardize labeling practices across all coffee brands in India.

• Ensure Fair Competition: Protect compliant businesses and prevent misleading packaging across the industry.

Who Must Comply?

Starting July 1, 2027, the following businesses must comply with the new rules:

• Coffee processors and blending companies

• Food business operators (FBOs) packaging blended coffee products

• Importers and distributors selling blended coffee in India

Source: Foodtech Network