How to Read an Edible Oil Label Like an Expert

A good label answers almost every question you could ask about an oil. Here is how to read one, using a VedSaras bottle as the example.

1. Product name and method

Look for what the oil is and how it was made: “Wood-Pressed Black Mustard Oil” tells you both the seed and the extraction method.

2. Ingredients

A single-ingredient oil should say exactly that, for example “Black Mustard Seed Oil (free from argemone seeds, no preservatives)” or “100% Coconut (Copra)”. For mustard oil, “free from argemone” matters: argemone seeds look similar to mustard seeds and are a known adulterant.

3. Is it blended?

Since 8 June 2021, FSSAI has prohibited blending mustard oil with other edible oils. A bottle labelled mustard oil should contain only mustard oil.

4. Manufacturer, marketer and FSSAI licence numbers

Every packaged food in India must carry the FSSAI licence number of the manufacturer and, where different, the marketer/packer. On our labels you will find both, along with full addresses in Lucknow.

5. Net quantity — volume and weight

Oil is often shown in both. Our 1000 ml bottle reads “1 L / 910 g” and the 500 ml bottle “500 ml / 455 g”, because oil is lighter than water.

6. Batch number, packing date and best before

These tell you how fresh the oil is. VedSaras oils are best before 12 months from the date of packaging.

7. MRP

The Maximum Retail Price, inclusive of all taxes, must be printed on the pack.

8. Nutrition facts

The panel shows energy, total fat and the breakdown into saturated fat, MUFA, PUFA, trans fat and cholesterol.

9. Customer care

A responsible brand tells you how to reach it. Ours: vedsarasglobal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91 94547 02706.