The Simple Idea: A Red Warning
For years, public health advocates and experts pushed for a simple, effective way to inform consumers about unhealthy foods. The proposal was for Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) that would feature a clear warning, such as a red stop-sign symbol, on products
high in salt, sugar, or fat. The goal was to help shoppers, in the few seconds they spend choosing a product, to immediately identify items that could contribute to health risks like obesity and diabetes. This system was not a new invention; countries like Chile and Mexico have successfully used similar warning labels to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and encourage companies to make their products healthier.
A Change of Heart at FSSAI
Despite initial considerations and Supreme Court suggestions to examine such models, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reversed its course. After facing significant resistance from major players in the food industry, the regulator abandoned the push for colour-coded warnings. Industry executives argued that such labels were confusing, ineffective, and failed to account for the unique, stronger flavours of Indian cuisine. One executive from Coca-Cola India stated at a meeting with the regulator that it was “simplistic” to think a symbol would significantly change consumer diets. Following this pushback, the FSSAI moved away from the warning label model entirely.
Introducing the Health Star Rating
In place of warning signs, FSSAI proposed the 'Indian Nutrition Rating' (INR) in a 2022 draft notification. This system, inspired by Australia's model, rates packaged foods on a scale from half a star (least healthy) to five stars (healthiest). The rating is calculated based on an algorithm that weighs negative nutrients like sugar, salt, and fat against positive ones like protein, fibre, and fruit content. The idea is that more stars signify a healthier product, allowing consumers to compare similar items on the shelf. However, the move has been contentious, leading to a lack of consensus among stakeholders and a subsequent proposal to withdraw the draft regulations for further review.
Why Experts and Activists are Worried
Public health experts and consumer groups have heavily criticised the star rating system, arguing it does more harm than good. Their primary concern is that it can be misleading. For example, a packet of fried chips high in salt and fat might still receive a 1.5 or 2-star rating, which a consumer could interpret as being 'not that bad'. A direct red warning for 'High in Salt' is unambiguous. Critics also warn that the system allows for 'health washing', where companies can add a small amount of a 'positive' ingredient, like a vitamin or some fibre, to improve the star rating of an otherwise unhealthy product, thereby masking its risks. The Supreme Court has also stepped in, repeatedly questioning the FSSAI's delays and asking it to finalise a clear labelling system.
What This Means for Indian Shoppers
The core of the debate is about the right to clear information. While a detailed nutrition table exists on the back of every package, few shoppers have the time or expertise to analyse it during a quick grocery run. A warning label provides an immediate, easy-to-understand signal. A star rating, on the other hand, requires interpretation. A 2-star snack might seem better than a 1-star snack, but both could still be high in unhealthy ingredients. This distinction is crucial in a country facing a rapid rise in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The ongoing scrutiny, now involving a Parliamentary Panel and the Supreme Court, highlights the tension between industry interests and the public's right to transparent health information at a glance.
