On packaged foods in India, now a red label, and a long overdue warning

India's food regulator, the FSSAI, has proposed a red, hexagonal label for packaged foods that are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, salt, and unhealthy fats. The warning labels will take the form of a red hexagon on the front of food packaging, according to the proposal. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the country's rising consumption of unhealthy foods and the prevalence of obesity, particularly among children.

India ranks second globally for the number of overweight or obese children, with China leading the way.

The proposal follows a recent scolding from the Supreme Court, which criticized the FSSAI for failing to implement warning labels. The red labels would initially target products containing two or more unhealthy ingredients, with the aim of helping consumers distinguish between healthy and harmful choices. Separate warning labels will be required for sweetened beverages.

While skepticism exists about the effectiveness of food warnings due to the complex nature of eating behavior, evidence suggests that such interventions can indeed change consumption patterns. For example, Chile saw a 24% drop in sugary drink consumption after implementing black octagonal warning labels on packages in 2016. However, concerns remain about the clarity and legibility of the labels, as well as the threshold for including products with just one unhealthy ingredient.

Experts have also raised questions about the font size, suggesting it may be too small to be effective. Ultimately, warning labels are just one piece of a larger public health strategy aimed at addressing the obesity epidemic and malnutrition in India. Addressing this issue requires raising nutritional awareness, stronger regulation of junk food, and nudging towards healthier lifestyles.

A red label on a packet may not single-handedly change eating habits, but it is a useful starting point to help consumers make informed choices.