What all should packaged foods contain? Food safety officer lists what to look for

To enjoy good health and well-being, eating a nutrient-rich diet alone is not enough. The way the food is packed and supplied is also as important as sourcing the ingredients and cooking. Hotels and other establishments that sell food should strictly follow the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Dr S Lija, Nodal Food Safety Officer, Food Safety Department, Palakkad, explains how to ensure packaged foods are safe to consume. 

Safe and sturdy packaging is the first step in ensuring food quality and safety. It is the responsibility of suppliers and hotels to ensure that food is protected from contamination by microorganisms, moisture, dust particles, and other pollutants. Besides, the food should remain fresh and tasty too. 

What to look for in packaged foods
Packaged food should contain the FSSAI logo, licence number, veg or non-veg stickers, vegan markings, ingredient list, nutritional information, allergen warnings, name and address of the producer, date of production, directions for use and also details of the importer if it is imported from a foreign country. The law states that the product name should be correctly stated on the packaging. Meanwhile, the consumer should ensure that the packaging is intact and has not been tampered with. 

Pack these separately
While buying food, make sure to pack hot and cold food items separately. Hot food should be packed only in high-quality, food-grade containers that retain heat. Suppliers should ensure that specific containers and packaging materials are used for oily foods or foods with high moisture content. The packing materials should be stored in clean places to prevent contamination. Wrapping oily or hot food in newspaper may cause severe health problems. 

Alert the authorities if you notice someone selling expired food items. Meanwhile, producers should ensure that they do not promote any misleading claims.