Nestle wants India to consult on labelling rules

Nestle, a global food and beverage company, has called for India to consult with companies when creating rules for front-of-pack health labeling on food and drinks. CEO Philipp Navratil stated that while the company supports the idea for products high in sugar, salt, and fat, manufacturers should be part of the decision-making process to ensure a scientifically-based approach.

This call for industry participation comes amid a public debate on the absence of such measures in the country, following earlier attempts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to implement warning labels on packaging, which were opposed by companies like Coca-Cola and industry groups in March.

The issue has sparked outrage among consumers and health experts in India, with many expressing their anger on social media. Companies like Nestle have previously voluntarily placed such labels on their products in European markets for years. Nestle's proposal is seen as an attempt to weaken public health policy, according to Dr. Arun Gupta, convenor of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, a national think tank on nutrition.

The Supreme Court of India has also criticized the government for delays in implementing front-facing warning labels, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has not yet responded to inquiries on the matter.

Nearly 80% of products in India's over $100 billion packaged food and beverages market could be considered high in fat, sugar, and salt, according to industry estimates. Activists argue that companies should not be consulted in the labeling process, highlighting the contrast between the warning labels used in Europe since 2013 and the opposition faced by their trade bodies in India.

Despite the potential cost of using healthier ingredients, some experts argue that the increased prices could be justified for the health of the nation, while others believe that multinationals prioritize profits over public health.