What Are Front-of-Pack Labels?
For years, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been working on a mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) system. The goal is simple: to give consumers a quick, easy-to-understand visual cue about the nutritional content of packaged
foods, especially those high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). The debate has seen several proposals, but the most discussed was the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a star-rating system from half a star to five, similar to energy ratings on appliances. However, after years of consultation and facing a Supreme Court deadline, the path forward remains contested, with the FSSAI recently indicating it might withdraw the 2022 draft regulations due to a lack of consensus. The latest developments suggest a move away from prominent warnings toward less conspicuous nutrient information tables.
The Public Health Imperative
The push for FOPL is driven by a serious public health crisis. India is witnessing a dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are strongly linked to diet. These conditions are increasingly affecting children and adolescents. Health bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have strongly advocated for mandatory warning labels, arguing they are a powerful tool to help consumers make informed choices and encourage healthier eating habits from a young age. Proponents believe that clear, interpretive labels can help curb the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which now make up a significant and growing part of the Indian diet. The Supreme Court has also weighed in, criticising delays and emphasizing the state's duty to protect citizens' right to health.
Industry's Core Objections
The packaged food industry has been the primary source of opposition to strong, interpretive warning labels. Major food and beverage companies argue that such labels, particularly colour-coded warnings, are confusing, ineffective, and could create unnecessary fear around their products. Industry associations have voiced concerns that a stringent system could result in nearly 80% of packaged foods in India receiving red or 'unhealthy' labels, which they claim would be detrimental to business. They instead favour systems that provide nutrient information without passing a negative judgement, or a star-rating model that balances negative nutrients against 'positive' ones like fibre or protein. Some have also argued that the unique flavour profiles of Indian cuisine make international labelling standards difficult to apply directly.
Health Experts Fire Back
Public health experts and consumer organisations have dismissed the industry's arguments, comparing them to tactics used by the tobacco industry to delay regulation. Many experts argue that the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, favoured by some in the industry, is easily manipulated and misleading. They contend that companies can boost a product's star rating by adding minimal 'positive' nutrients, masking dangerously high levels of sugar, salt, or fat. The consensus among health advocates, including the ICMR, is that simple, direct warning labels—such as a stop sign or a red symbol—are the most effective format. They argue these labels are easiest to understand across all literacy levels and have proven successful in other countries at reducing the consumption of unhealthy products. A recent study in Mumbai also found that warning labels were the most effective format for adolescents to identify unhealthy foods.
A Battle at a Crossroads
The debate has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with multiple draft regulations and stakeholder meetings. Despite pressure from the Supreme Court to finalise the rules, FSSAI has struggled to find a consensus between public health goals and powerful industry lobbying. In early 2026, the FSSAI indicated it might withdraw its 2022 draft proposing the star-rating system, citing the need for more research and wider consultation. This move was seen by many as a concession to industry pressure. The regulator has since considered a simple black-and-white table of nutrient content, a move that activists argue is a significant step back from clear, interpretive warnings that empower consumers. With the Supreme Court scrutinising the decision, the future of how India labels its food remains uncertain, caught between protecting public health and corporate profits.
