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India's Food Labels Get a Warning Makeover
29 Aug
Summary
- FSSAI proposes red hexagonal front-of-pack labels for unhealthy foods.
- Labels will warn of high salt, sugar, or fat content.
- Supreme Court pushed for these labels to aid consumer choices.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed introducing a distinctive red hexagonal front-of-pack warning label for packaged foods. This label will alert consumers to products high in salt, sugar, or fat, a directive supported by the Supreme Court.
The FSSAI's proposal outlines a two-phase implementation. Initially, only products exceeding thresholds for at least two of these nutrients will carry the warning. Subsequently, the requirement will extend to products high in even one of the specified nutrients.
This initiative aims to facilitate informed food choices and protect vulnerable populations. The Supreme Court emphasized that the right to health is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, mandating state action to improve public health.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on September 10. Certain single-ingredient items like ghee, edible oil, salt, sugar, jaggery, and honey will be exempt from these new labelling rules.
