FSSAI proposes red warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, fat, salt
FSSAI proposes red front-of-pack warning labels for foods high in fat, sugar or salt, following the Supreme Court’s push for clearer nutrition warnings.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is considering the introduction of prominent red warning labels on packaged foods high in added fat, sugar, or salt. This proposal comes in the wake of a Supreme Court questioning the regulator's reluctance to implement such labels on packaged foods. The labels would be displayed on the front of food packages, highlighting products with high levels of two or more specified nutrients, such as fat, sugar, or salt.
The thresholds for these warnings would be based on the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, issued by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. The aim is to help consumers identify high-risk products quickly and make informed choices, particularly for children and vulnerable groups. The labels would be displayed in a larger font size than the nutritional information table on the back of the package.
The FSSAI plans to implement the front-of-pack nutrition labelling system in phases, starting with products high in two or more specified nutrients. Single-ingredient food products and inherently rich foods like ghee, edible oil, salt, sugar, jaggery, and honey may be exempted from the warning requirement. The FSSAI will need to notify the changes through amendments to the relevant regulations after the prescribed procedure.
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