Reading a baby-food label out loud
A simple test for any packaged food: can you read the ingredient list aloud and understand every word?
Food labels in India follow the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Learning to read them turns the grocery shelf into a much simpler place.
Where to look
- Ingredient list. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first item is what there is most of. Shorter, recognisable lists are easier to understand.
- Nutrition panel. FSSAI requires per-100g values; check added sugar and sodium in particular.
- Allergen declaration. Look for statements about nuts, wheat and other allergens, including “may contain” cross-contact notes.
- Dates & FSSAI licence. A genuine product carries a licence number and clear best-before information.
The read-aloud test
Our favourite rule of thumb: read the ingredient list aloud. If every word is a food you recognise, that is a good sign. A single-ingredient cereal passes easily — “100% sprouted finger millet” is the whole list.
A word on claims
Under FSSAI’s Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018, marketing claims must be truthful and must not mislead. Be cautious of packs promising your child will grow taller, smarter or stronger — food is nourishment, not a shortcut.
A note on our guidance. Breastfeeding is best for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding, alongside safe complementary foods, up to 2 years and beyond. This article is general educational information in line with the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods Act, 1992 (IMS Act) and is not a substitute for advice from your pediatrician.
- •FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
- •FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
General educational information, published in line with the IMS Act, 1992 and FSSAI regulations. Not a substitute for advice from your pediatrician.