When purchasing packaged food, you may notice various symbols or references on the label. These are often regulatory marks, which indicate that the product or its packaging complies with legal standards set by government agencies. While these marks vary by country, their purpose is the same: to ensure food safety, quality, and consumer protection.
Below are some of the key government-issued regulatory marks found on food or food-contact materials around the world:
1. FDA
1.1 Something to Clarify – No Official “FDA Approved” Symbol
The FDA does regulate food safety and labeling, but does not require or permit companies to use an “FDA-approved” logo on packaging.
Unlike USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified marks, the FDA does not issue an official certification symbol for food products or packaging.
1.2 What FDA Oversees in Food Packaging?
The FDA enforces compliance through regulations, not labeling symbols.
a. Food Safety Standards
- Ensures food products (except meat and poultry, which are under USDA) are safe, sanitary, and labeled properly.
- Applies to processed foods, dietary supplements, bottled water, and more.
b. Packaging Materials
- Regulates food-contact substances (FCS) such as plastics, coatings, adhesives, etc.
- Materials must meet FDA standards for indirect food additives (e.g., migration limits).
c. Labeling Compliance
- Monitors nutritional labeling, ingredient lists, and health claims.
- Requires that labels are truthful and not misleading.
Although there’s no symbol, you might see wording like:
“This product is manufactured in a facility registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”
“Packaging materials comply with FDA food-contact regulations (21 CFR).”
1.3 FDA Logos for Internal or Informational Use
The FDA does have an official seal and logo, but:
- It’s used only by the agency for official communications.
- It is not allowed on commercial food labels.
2. CE Marking
2.1 What is CE Marking?
The CE marking is a mandatory conformity mark used to indicate that a product meets EU health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
“CE” stands for Conformité Européenne, which means “European Conformity” in French.
It is not a quality mark, but a legal requirement for many products sold in the EU and EEA (European Economic Area).
2.2 What Products Require CE Marking?
CE marking applies to a wide range of products, including:
- Electronics and electrical devices
- Machinery
- Medical devices
- Toys
- Personal protective equipment
- Food-contact materials (e.g., plastic packaging)
CE marking does NOT apply to food itself, but does apply to materials that come into contact with food, such as packaging, containers, kitchenware, etc.
2.3 CE Mark on Food Packaging
When used on food-contact materials, the CE mark signifies:
- Compliance with EU Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004
- The packaging material is safe for food use and will not contaminate food
- It may be supported by a declaration of conformity from the manufacturer
Legal Significance
By affixing the CE mark, a manufacturer declares under their sole responsibility that the product:
- Meets EU requirements
- Has undergone relevant conformity assessments
- Can legally circulate within the EU/EEA market
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Manufacturers must keep a Declaration of Conformity, which includes:
- Product details
- Relevant EU directives or regulations
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- List of standards met
This document must be available to authorities upon request.
3. QS (Quality Safety) Mark
3.1 What Was the QS Mark?
The QS (Quality Safety) mark was a mandatory certification symbol that appeared on packaged food products in China from 2003 until around 2018. It indicated that the food was produced by a manufacturer that had obtained a production license from the Chinese food safety authorities.
- “QS” stands for “Quality Safety.”
- The mark was usually accompanied by a license number and the text “QS” in a distinctive blue oval or rectangle on food packaging.
- It served as proof that the food producer met certain basic hygiene and safety requirements.
Purpose
The QS mark was introduced to:
- Improve food safety and consumer trust
- Standardize manufacturing processes
- Enable regulatory authorities to identify licensed producers
However, the system had limitations in terms of transparency, traceability, and regulatory control.
3.2 What Replaced the QS Mark?
The QS mark was officially phased out and replaced by the SC code system under China’s revised food production licensing system, which took full effect in October 2018.
About the SC Code:
- “SC” stands for “Sheng Chan” (生产), meaning “production.”
- It is part of a longer 18-digit production license number, printed on the food packaging.
- The code format:
SC + product category code + region code + unique company identifier
Why the Change?
The move to the SC code system aimed to:
- Enhance traceability of food products
- Provide more detailed information about manufacturers
- Align with modern regulatory and digital monitoring systems
- Reduce opportunities for counterfeiting or misuse of food safety symbols
Now, rather than relying on a single mark like QS, consumers and regulators can trace a product back to its specific factory through the SC number, improving accountability.
4. FSSAI Logo
4.1 What is the FSSAI Logo?
The FSSAI logo is the official symbol of food safety compliance in India. It is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—the national regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
This logo is mandatory on all packaged food products sold in India, and it must be accompanied by a valid 14-digit license or registration number that links the product to an authorized food business operator (FBO).
Purpose of the FSSAI Logo
The FSSAI logo serves several important functions:
- Confirms legal compliance with India’s food safety laws under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Identifies the manufacturer or distributor via a license or registration number
- Builds consumer trust, showing that the product has met hygiene, labeling, and safety standards
License Number Format
The FSSAI license number is a 14-digit unique code, structured to reflect:
- The registration state
- Type of business
- Company or facility identifier
Consumers can verify this number on the official FSSAI portal, ensuring transparency and accountability.
4.2 Where It Appears on Packaging?
The FSSAI logo and license number must be:
- Clearly visible on the front or back panel of the food package
- Printed in contrasting color for readability
Placed near the nutrition or manufacturer information (commonly near the barcode)
Legal Requirement
Use of the FSSAI logo without a valid license is illegal and may result in:
- Fines or product seizure
- Cancellation of licenses
Prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act.