The Original Plan: A Simple Red Warning
The story began several years ago when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed a clear and simple system to help consumers make healthier choices. The idea was to introduce mandatory front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) that would
use a prominent red-coloured symbol to warn shoppers if a product was high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS). The goal was to combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes in India by giving people an at-a-glance tool to identify unhealthy foods, much like the green and red dots that signify vegetarian or non-vegetarian products. This initiative, first floated in draft regulations around 2018 and 2019, was seen by health advocates as a crucial step forward for public health.
Industry Pushback and Fierce Debate
The proposal immediately ran into strong opposition from major food and beverage companies. Industry groups argued that red warnings were overly simplistic and could cause unnecessary panic among consumers. They warned that a vast majority of packaged foods in India—nearly 80% by some estimates—could end up with red labels, which they claimed would be confusing and damaging to business. At a tense meeting with the FSSAI in March 2026, industry executives argued that such labels were ineffective and that the focus should instead be on encouraging portion control. Some also raised concerns that naturally occurring sugars in products like coconut water could unfairly trigger a 'high sugar' warning.
A Shift in Strategy: From Warnings to Stars
Facing this stiff resistance, the FSSAI's approach began to change. Instead of the clear warning symbols, a new proposal for a 'Health Star Rating' (HSR) system emerged. This model, similar to energy efficiency ratings on appliances, would award products a score from half a star to five stars based on their overall nutritional profile. The system would calculate a score by balancing negative nutrients (fat, sugar, salt) with 'positive' ones like protein and fibre. Health advocates heavily criticised this shift, arguing that the HSR system was confusing and could be manipulated. They pointed out that a junk food item could potentially gain more stars simply by adding a small amount of a 'positive' ingredient, misleading consumers into thinking it was a healthy choice.
The Current Stalemate and Supreme Court's Scrutiny
As of August 2026, the entire plan has been significantly diluted. The FSSAI abandoned the push for colourful warning labels, arguing that they didn't account for the stronger flavours in Indian cuisine. Instead, the regulator has proposed a simple black-and-white table on the front of the pack showing the amounts of sugar, fat, and salt. This move prompted public health activists to file a petition, bringing the matter before the Supreme Court. The court has been highly critical of the delays and the watering down of the regulations, questioning the FSSAI's hesitation and emphasizing that citizens' health must be prioritized. In a recent hearing, the court rebuked the regulator, stating that "the world should know that India is very much concerned about the overall health of its citizens."
Where Do We Go From Here?
The battle over food labels is now at a critical juncture. Health experts and activists continue to push for clear, mandatory warning labels, citing their success in other countries like Chile and Mexico in helping consumers reduce their intake of unhealthy foods. They argue that many products from global brands sold in India have higher sugar content and different ingredients than their European counterparts, which often carry clear warning labels. Meanwhile, the food industry continues to advocate for a less disruptive approach, with some executives stating companies should be consulted in drafting the rules. The final decision, now under the watchful eye of the Supreme Court, will determine how Indians understand the food they eat for years to come.
