FSSAI proposes front-of-pack warning labels for packaged food amid public outcry
Around 450 million Indians could be obese or overweight by 2050, according to a recent study published in the journal The Lancet.
The Indian food regulator, FSSAI, has proposed the introduction of front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food and drinks, changing direction after public outcry over insufficient labels highlighting high sugar, fat, or salt content. This decision marks a significant victory for consumer rights advocates and the Supreme Court, who have long called for such measures to combat issues like obesity.
The proposed warning labels will feature a red hexagonal shape on products high in sugar, fat, or salt, aiming to empower consumers, especially vulnerable groups like children, to make informed choices. Currently, producers are only required to list ingredients and basic nutritional details on the packaging's backside.
The move has received support from industry groups, activists, and health experts. However, it has been met with opposition from major food companies, including Coca-Cola and Nestle, which have previously opposed such labeling schemes, citing potential consumer confusion.
The FSSAI's proposal comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's insistence on implementing warning labels, emphasizing the country's commitment to addressing its obesity crisis. The court had previously suggested adopting a labeling system similar to Israel's, where a red label would be used even if just one of salt, sugar, or fat is high in a product. The labeling mechanism will be phased in, allowing industry time to adapt, while single-ingredient food products will be exempt from the new labeling requirements.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
