Labelling & packaging
Veg and Non-Veg Logo Rules (Size, Colour, Placement)
The vegetarian symbol uses a green circle within a green outlined square; the current non-vegetarian symbol uses a brown triangle within a brown outlined square. Assess the complete product before choosing the symbol, then check the prescribed size and front-of-pack placement.
By the MyFoodLicense team Sources checked 3 min read
In this guide
Determine the product’s status
Review ingredients, additives, processing sources and supplier specifications. Milk-derived ingredients do not by themselves make a food non-vegetarian under the general definition, while egg and relevant animal-origin materials need assessment. A plant-based marketing name is insufficient evidence for every input.
Use the current symbols
The non-vegetarian triangle is important: an old brown-circle artwork is not the current prescribed design. This guide’s original review illustration does not reproduce official marks. Obtain the correct authorised symbol specification for production artwork. Read the symbol provisions.
Apply the principal-display-panel size table
| PDP area in cm² | Veg circle diameter, mm | Non-veg triangle side, mm | Surrounding square side, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 3 | 2.5 | 6 |
| Above 100 to 500 | 4 | 3.5 | 8 |
| Above 500 to 2500 | 6 | 5 | 12 |
| Above 2500 | 8 | 7 | 16 |
These are the minimum dimensions in the cited table. Measure the actual principal display panel rather than using the total area of an unrelated dieline.
Review placement and exceptions
The symbol is to be prominent against a contrasting background on the principal display panel, close to the name or brand on the front. Specified product exemptions must be checked against the regulation. Applicable promotional material also needs a declaration assessment, not just the physical package.
Distinguish vegetarian from vegan
A vegetarian mark does not establish vegan compliance. Milk, honey and other sources relevant to vegan rules require a separate product and process review, and the vegan logo has an endorsement framework. Read organic and vegan endorsement guidance.
A worked example
Hypothetical example
A small pouch’s designer reduces both the symbol and square to fit a crowded corner. The team measures the PDP, checks the prescribed dimensions and moves other copy instead. It also verifies the flavour supplier’s source information before confirming the product status.
Your practical checklist
- Assess every relevant ingredient source.
- Use the current circle or triangle design.
- Measure the principal display panel.
- Apply minimum symbol and square dimensions.
- Check placement, contrast and exceptions.
- Assess vegan statements separately.
Download this preparation checklist
For help applying this review to your business, explore our Front-of-Pack Review service. Bring the documents described above so the consultation can focus on the decisions still unresolved.
Frequently asked questions
Is the brown circle still the current non-veg symbol?
The cited current rule prescribes a brown triangle within the square.
Is every milk product non-vegetarian?
No. Apply the regulatory definition and product facts.
Is a green mark proof of vegan compliance?
No. Vegan requirements are separate.
Can I make the mark smaller on a small pack?
Apply the relevant size table and any actual exemption rather than shrinking it arbitrarily.
Where should it appear?
Review the prescribed prominent front-of-pack placement near the name or brand.
Official sources and further reading
Checked on 2 October 2026. Gazette notifications and operative directions prevail over compilations and summaries, including this guide.
- Labelling and Display Regulations compendium, Version VIII, 9 September 2025: Regulation 5: retail declarations, nutrition, dates and allergens. Read alongside later amendments and directions.
- FSSAI vegan-food regulations and application resources: Official regulations, endorsement guidance, fees and current status; check June 2026 logo amendment.
This guide is general information, not legal advice; the right route depends on your product and business facts. Examples marked hypothetical are illustrations, not client cases. MyFoodLicense is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with FSSAI; applications are decided by the competent authority on the official FoSCoS portal.