Two Major Proposals On The Table
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put forward two significant draft amendments for public consultation. The first is a landmark proposal for front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPL). This would require packaged foods high in salt,
sugar, or fat to display a warning label. The second proposal aims to restrict the use of the term 'paneer' to products made exclusively from milk and milk solids, preventing plant-based or other analogue products from using the name. Both proposals are designed to give consumers clearer information and prevent them from being misled.
A 'Red Hexagon' Warning for Unhealthy Foods
The most visible change for consumers would be the front-of-pack warnings. FSSAI has told the Supreme Court it plans to implement a single-phase rollout of these labels. Products exceeding prescribed limits for even one nutrient of concern—added sugar, added fat, or salt—would need to carry a warning. The proposed design is a distinct red hexagon on a white background, placed prominently on the front of the package. If a product is high in salt, for instance, the word 'salt' would appear inside the hexagon. The thresholds are based on the 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN).
Ensuring 'Paneer' is Actually Paneer
The second draft regulation targets the mislabelling of 'paneer'. Following concerns raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly about non-dairy alternatives being sold as paneer, FSSAI is proposing a nationwide rule. The draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026, would ensure only products derived from milk can be legally named, labelled, and marketed as 'paneer'. This move aims to protect the integrity of dairy products and ensure consumers know exactly what they are buying, preventing confusion with items made from vegetable oil or other ingredients.
Why This Matters For You
These proposed changes directly impact your grocery shopping and food choices. The front-of-pack labels are intended to make it easier to identify foods high in nutrients linked to health problems, allowing you to make quicker, more informed decisions for yourself and your family. For those who consume paneer, the proposed rule on its definition ensures authenticity and protects both consumers and honest dairy producers. Public consultation is a critical step in the democratic process of rulemaking. It allows citizens, industry bodies, and consumer groups to voice their opinions, point out potential issues, and contribute to the final shape of the laws that govern food safety and standards in the country.
How To Make Your Voice Heard
FSSAI has made both draft notifications available to the public and has invited objections and suggestions for a 60-day period from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. This is your opportunity to participate. For the 'paneer' regulation, you can send your comments via email to the address specified in the notification or by post. For the front-of-pack labelling rules, the regulator will also open a 60-day window for feedback from all stakeholders after the draft is officially notified. All comments received during this period will be examined before the final regulations are approved and published.
