What is FSSAI's New Label Plan?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a major change to how packaged foods are labelled. After pressure from the Supreme Court, the regulator is moving forward with a plan for mandatory Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling
(FoPNL). This means that instead of having to hunt for the fine print on the back of a package, consumers will see a clear, simple warning on the front of products that are high in unhealthy nutrients. The goal is to provide an easily understandable signal about the healthfulness of a food item at a single glance.
From Stars to Stop Signs
For years, various labelling systems were debated. An earlier draft in 2022 proposed a 'Health Star Rating', similar to energy-efficiency labels on appliances, where foods would be rated from half a star to five stars. However, this was criticized by health experts who argued that even the unhealthiest snacks could get a star, potentially misleading consumers into thinking it was a positive endorsement. The new proposal scraps that idea in favour of a more direct warning system: a bright red, hexagonal label, much like a stop sign. This label will explicitly state if a product is 'HIGH FAT', 'HIGH SUGAR', or 'HIGH SALT'. The font will be larger than the nutritional table on the back, making it impossible to miss.
Why This Change Is Happening Now
This move is driven by a growing public health crisis. India is facing a rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions, which are strongly linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats. The Supreme Court recently took a strong stance on the issue, questioning delays and emphasizing that public health, particularly that of children, cannot be superseded by commercial interests. The court's intervention has accelerated FSSAI's plan, pushing the regulator to create a framework that empowers consumers to make healthier choices.
Which Foods Will Be Affected?
The new warning labels will be mandatory for most packaged food products, especially processed snacks, sweets, and highly sweetened beverages. However, there are some proposed exemptions. Single-ingredient products like milk, and foods that are inherently rich in fat, sugar, or salt—such as ghee, edible oils, honey, jaggery, and table salt itself—will not be required to carry the warning label. The focus is squarely on processed products where high levels of these nutrients have been added during manufacturing.
A Phased Rollout
The implementation of these new labels is planned in two phases. In the first phase, the red hexagonal warning will be required only on products that are high in two or more of the concerning nutrients (fat, sugar, or salt). In the second phase, the rule will become stricter, applying to any product that is high in even a single one of these nutrients. This phased approach is intended to give the food industry time to reformulate their products and for consumers to get accustomed to the new system. While FSSAI has submitted this proposal to the Supreme Court, a definitive timeline for when these phases will begin has not yet been announced.
