UPSC CSE Prelims
Food Safety and Standards Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 1, 2 and 4

The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 mandate specific information on pre-packaged food items to ensure consumer safety and informed choice.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: List of ingredients including additives must be declared on the label, except for single-ingredient foods. This helps consumers identify what they are consuming.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Nutritional information (per 100 gm/100 ml or per serving) is mandatory. This includes details about energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and other nutrients.

❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: There is no provision in the regulations requiring recommendations by the medical profession about allergic reactions. While allergen information may be included voluntarily, medical recommendations are not mandatory.

✅ Statement 4 – Correct: A clear vegetarian/non-vegetarian symbol must be displayed on the package, typically as a green or brown dot inside a square, to help consumers make dietary choices.