What is the new proposal?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put forward a plan for Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL) that uses a simple, stark visual cue: a red hexagon. This symbol would act as a warning, clearly stating if a product is “High in Sugar,”
“High in Salt,” or “High in Fat.” The proposal, submitted to the Supreme Court, marks a significant shift from previous ideas like a star-rating system. The goal is to provide consumers with an immediate, easy-to-understand signal about the nutritional content of packaged goods, helping them make healthier choices at a glance. The move was prompted by the Supreme Court, which questioned the delay in implementing a clear warning system to protect public health, especially that of children.
Why is this happening now?
This policy shift is rooted in a growing public health crisis. India is facing a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, many of which are linked to diet. Health advocates and experts argue that the unchecked consumption of ultra-processed foods, often high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), is a major contributor. For years, nutritional information has been confined to the back of the pack in small print, which many consumers find difficult to decipher. A front-of-pack warning is seen as a crucial tool to empower consumers, particularly those with lower literacy, to quickly identify unhealthy products. The Supreme Court highlighted this, describing FoPL as an “assistive device” for healthier dietary choices amid rising childhood obesity.
How would the labels work?
The FSSAI has proposed a phased rollout. In the first phase, a red hexagonal label would be mandatory for products that are high in at least two of the specified nutrients: added saturated fat, sugar, or salt. Sweetened beverages would also be covered. In the second phase, the rule would expand to include products high in even one of these nutrients. The nutritional thresholds for what qualifies as “high” will be based on the 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians, issued by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. However, some single-ingredient foods that are naturally high in these nutrients, such as ghee, edible oils, sugar, and honey, will be exempt from the warning labels.
The Global Precedent: Lessons from Chile
India isn't the first country to consider such a measure. The proposed system is similar to the highly effective warning labels implemented in Chile in 2016. Faced with soaring obesity rates, Chile introduced black octagonal “stop sign” warnings on unhealthy foods. The results have been dramatic. Studies have shown significant decreases in the purchase of foods high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. The Chilean law also led to widespread product reformulation by manufacturers, who altered their recipes to avoid the warning labels. This real-world evidence suggests that clear warning labels can drive both consumer behavior change and industry innovation.
Industry Pushback and the Road Ahead
The path to implementing these labels has been contentious. For years, major food and beverage companies and their industry groups have lobbied against mandatory front-of-pack warnings in India. Arguments from the industry have included claims that such labels are confusing, ill-suited for the Indian palate, and that portion control should be the primary focus. Previously, FSSAI had considered other systems, including a health-star rating model. However, with the Supreme Court's intervention and growing public pressure, the focus has now firmly shifted to a warning-based system. The proposal is still a draft and must go through the regulatory process before becoming law, but it represents the most decisive step yet toward changing how India talks about packaged food.
