Q.FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has made a proposal for hotels and other food outlets to declare the kind of oil/fat used in cooking each of the food items on their menus. Name and explain the Consumer Right being reinforced by this proposal.

Let’s start with something you do every time you pick up a packaged item — a bottle of shampoo, a packet of biscuits, a tube of toothpaste. Before you buy, you glance at the front for the brand name, then flip it over to read the ingredients, the expiry date, maybe a “100% natural” claim. That entire set of information — the name, the logo, the list of contents, the instructions, the warnings, the price, the batch number — is product labeling.

In everyday life, a label is just a sticker or a printed panel. But in commerce, product labeling is the entire process of designing and attaching that information to a product’s package. It is not decoration; it is a legal and marketing tool.

The precise meaning

According to the NCERT Class 12 Business Studies textbook (Marketing chapter), a label is defined as “the part of the product that carries information about the product and the seller.” It can be a simple tag tied to the product, a graphic printed on the package, or even a separate leaflet inside the box. The label performs three core functions:

• Identifies the product or brand (e.g., “Amul Butter” with the girl logo).
• Describes the product — its ingredients, net weight, manufacturer’s address, usage instructions, expiry date, MRP.
• Promotes the product — a “New! Improved formula” sticker or a “100% organic” seal is a promotional label.

Why labeling matters — the three reasons

First, it is legally compulsory for most products. The government mandates that every packaged good must show the MRP, date of manufacture, expiry date, net quantity, and manufacturer’s details. Without these, the product cannot be sold. This protects you from being cheated — you can check if the biscuit packet is stale or if the “juice” actually contains any fruit.

Second, it helps you use the product correctly. A medicine label tells you the dosage; a cleaning liquid label warns “keep away from eyes”; a food label lists allergens like peanuts or milk. Without labeling, you could misuse a product and harm yourself.

Third, it is a powerful marketing tool. A well-designed label catches your eye on a crowded shelf. A “Sugar-free” label on a health drink or a “Made with real honey” label on a cereal directly influences your buying decision. Companies spend heavily on label design because it is often the first thing a customer notices.

Types of labels (as per NCERT)

NCERT classifies labels into three categories:

• Brand label: Only the brand name is shown (e.g., “Sony” on a TV).
• Grade label: Indicates the quality or grade (e.g., “Grade A” eggs, “Superior” quality cloth). …