FSSAI Mandates Standardised Vegan Logo on Packaged Foods from July 2027 in Major Regulatory Push

According to the amended Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, every certified vegan food product will be required to display a uniform green “Vegan” logo on its packaging. The initiative aims to create a consistent national identity for vegan products and help consumers clearly distinguish them from conventional food items that may contain ingredients of animal origin.

The prescribed logo features a green square-framed symbol containing a stylised letter “V” integrated with a sprouting leaf. It is designed to signify that the product is certified vegan and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Under a notification issued on May 21, 2026, FSSAI formally introduced the standard vegan logo and specified its usage guidelines for packaging. While the regulation has been notified, compliance will become compulsory for all approved products from July 1, 2027.

Explaining the importance of the measure, AIIMS Delhi dietician Monita Gahlot stated that a dedicated vegan logo provides consumers with a clear, government-recognised identification mark for vegan foods and strengthens transparency while preventing misleading claims. She added that consumers who follow a vegan diet previously had to carefully examine ingredient lists to confirm the absence of animal-derived components. The new system, she said, will enable instant identification of compliant products, allowing more confident and informed dietary choices.

Vegan food products are defined as items that do not contain ingredients, additives, or processing aids derived from animals. Unlike vegetarian products, which may include milk, dairy items such as ghee and paneer, and honey, vegan foods exclude all animal-based ingredients entirely and rely on plant-based alternatives including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based milk substitutes. Officials and experts note that while all vegan foods fall under vegetarian classification, not all vegetarian foods qualify as vegan.

The category has been witnessing growing acceptance among health-conscious consumers, individuals with ethical concerns regarding animal welfare, and those prioritising environmentally sustainable dietary practices.

In a parallel reform supporting the plant-based sector, FSSAI has also removed restrictions on the use of sal-seed fat beyond bakery and confectionery applications. The edible vegetable fat derived from the sal tree is expected to support innovation and expansion within India’s growing vegan and plant-based food industry.

The introduction of the mandatory vegan logo is positioned as a landmark step toward regulatory clarity, consumer protection, and structured growth of the vegan food ecosystem in India.