What Exactly Is FSSAI Proposing?
After years of debate and a recent nudge from the Supreme Court, FSSAI has put forward a proposal for Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL). The idea is to place simple, prominent warnings on the front of packaged foods that are high in salt, sugar, and saturated
fat. Instead of complex nutritional tables on the back, the plan is to use a striking red, hexagonal symbol, similar to a stop sign, to instantly flag these products. The labels would clearly state “HIGH SUGAR,” “HIGH SALT,” or “HIGH FAT” to help consumers make informed decisions at a glance.
Why the Sudden Push for Change?
This isn't a new idea, but it has gained significant momentum. The push comes amid rising concerns over lifestyle diseases like obesity and diabetes in India. For years, health advocates and consumer groups have argued that the current system—listing ingredients and nutrition facts in fine print on the back—is not effective for busy shoppers. The Supreme Court recently criticised the delay in implementing clearer labels, emphasizing that public health is more important than commercial interests and that consumers, especially children, need protection from aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods. A recent consumer survey showed overwhelming support, with 91% of respondents wanting some form of front-of-pack warnings.
Warning Labels vs. Star Ratings
Interestingly, this red hexagonal warning is a shift from a previous FSSAI proposal. Earlier, the regulator was considering an 'Indian Nutrition Rating' (INR) system, also known as the Health Star Rating. This model, inspired by Australia's system, would have rated foods from half a star (least healthy) to five stars (healthiest). However, health experts criticised this approach, arguing it could be misleading. For example, a product high in sugar could still get more stars by adding small amounts of 'positive' nutrients like fibre, confusing consumers. Many experts and global precedents, like the system in Chile, favour direct warning symbols as they are clearer and have been shown to effectively change purchasing behaviour.
How Will the New System Roll Out?
The FSSAI has proposed a phased implementation to give the food industry time to adapt and potentially reformulate their products. In the first phase, the red hexagonal warning would be mandatory for products that are high in two or more of the concerning nutrients: added sugar, salt, or saturated fat. The second phase would expand this rule to include products high in even a single one of these ingredients. The specific thresholds for what constitutes 'high' levels will be based on the 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians issued by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.
The Industry's Reaction
The proposal has been met with resistance from major food companies and industry bodies. For years, corporations have argued that such labels could create unnecessary fear, confuse consumers, and negatively impact sales. They have advocated for alternatives like focusing on portion control education rather than mandatory front-of-pack warnings. Despite this opposition, the Supreme Court has made it clear that commercial concerns cannot override the imperative of public health, pushing the FSSAI to establish a definitive framework.
