Why Food Labels Are a National Issue
The battle over what goes on the front of India's packaged food is more than just a design dispute; it's a public health emergency in the making. India is facing a dual burden of malnutrition and a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity,
diabetes, and hypertension. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), obesity has risen significantly, with one in four women and nearly one in four men now classified as obese. A major driver of this trend is the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been working for years on a Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) system to give consumers simple, at-a-glance information. The idea is to move beyond the fine-print nutritional tables on the back and place clear guidance on the front, where it can quickly inform buying decisions.
The Great Divide: Stars vs. Warnings
The debate is centered on two competing models. On one side is the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a system based on Australia's Health Star Rating (HSR). This model would assign a product a score from a half star (least healthy) to five stars (healthiest). The rating is calculated based on an algorithm that weighs negative nutrients (like sugar, salt, saturated fat) against 'positive' ones like protein, fibre, and fruit content. On the other side, public health advocates, consumer groups, and medical bodies are championing a simpler, more direct system: warning labels. These would be bold, unambiguous symbols—often black octagons or triangles—that clearly state when a product is 'High in Sugar,' 'High in Salt,' or 'High in Saturated Fat.' This approach doesn't offer a graded score but provides a direct alert about unhealthy ingredients.
The Case for Warning Labels
Proponents of warning labels argue they are the most effective tool for public health. Citing international evidence from countries like Chile, which saw a 24% drop in sugary drink consumption after implementing such labels, they argue that clear warnings work best to discourage unhealthy choices. Studies, including some conducted in India, have shown that consumers are better able to identify unhealthy products when presented with warning labels compared to star ratings. Health advocates and consumer organisations worry that the Health Star Rating system can be misleading. They argue that a product high in sugar could still receive a deceptively high star rating if it is fortified with fibre or protein, creating a 'health halo' around an otherwise unhealthy item. The government's own Economic Survey has also noted that warning labels are more effective at discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Industry's Preference and FSSAI's Position
Food industry groups have largely favored the Health Star Rating system. The FSSAI's draft regulations, first introduced in 2022, officially proposed the star-based INR system, based on a study from IIM Ahmedabad. This has led to a years-long stalemate, with the FSSAI receiving over 14,000 comments on the draft, reflecting the deep divisions on the issue. The continued delay has drawn criticism from parliamentary panels and even the Supreme Court, which has repeatedly urged the FSSAI to finalize the regulations. As of mid-2026, the issue remains unresolved. In a recent parliamentary report, a standing committee expressed dismay over the two-year lapse since the draft was notified, stressing the urgent need for a simplified, time-bound solution.
