FSSAI’s proposed warning labels could let unhealthy foods escape scrutiny, says expert

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat, but nutrition advocate Arun Gupta has criticized the framework for potential gaps. The proposed labels will only trigger if a product is high in two or more nutrients of concern, which could leave unhealthy products unlabelled if they are high in one nutrient only.

Gupta argues that the framework should follow a simple rule: "High in sugar — warning; high in salt — warning; high in saturated fat — warning." He also calls for time-bound implementation and alignment with ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines, 2024. Gupta raises concerns about the use of "added" nutrients and the size of the warning label, suggesting it should be prominent and linked to the principal display area of the package. He emphasizes that the warnings should be available in Hindi and English for maximum visibility.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.