India Mandates Red Warning Labels on Unhealthy Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed implementing prominent red warning labels on the front of packaged foods. These labels will alert consumers to products containing high levels of added fat, added sugar, or salt. This regulatory move comes two weeks after the Supreme Court questioned the FSSAI's previous reluctance to introduce such consumer warnings.

The proposed red hexagonal labels will appear on products exceeding thresholds set by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition's Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024. Warnings like "HIGH FAT," "HIGH SUGAR," and "HIGH SALT" will be displayed. For items meeting two criteria, dual warnings will be shown. A specific "HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE" warning is also planned.

The FSSAI stated the labels aim to provide simple, comprehensible information, enabling informed food choices, particularly for children. This initiative follows strong remarks from the Supreme Court on August 13, demanding a final decision on front-of-pack labelling within two weeks. The court emphasized public health, especially for children, and warned against inaction.

The new front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPNL) system will be phased in. Phase I targets products high in two or more specified nutrients, while Phase II will address those high in any single nutrient. Single-ingredient foods and certain inherently rich products like ghee and honey may be exempted.