Why These Warnings Now?
For years, shoppers had to decipher complex nutrition tables on the back of packages. To combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a new
Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL) system. This initiative aims to provide simple, clear, and visible information, helping consumers quickly identify products that are high in salt, sugar, or fat—nutrients linked to health risks when consumed in excess. The goal is to empower you to make informed decisions right at the point of purchase.
Decoding the Red Hexagon
The new warning system is designed for maximum visibility. FSSAI has proposed a distinct red hexagonal symbol to be placed on the front of packaged foods. Inside this hexagon, you will see text explicitly stating if the product is “HIGH IN SUGAR,” “HIGH IN SALT,” or “HIGH IN FAT.” If a product exceeds the limits for more than one of these nutrients, a single hexagon will list all applicable warnings, for example, “HIGH IN SUGAR, HIGH IN SALT”. This label will be located on the top left of the package, making it hard to miss.
What 'High In' Actually Means
A warning is triggered when a product crosses specific thresholds for added nutrients per 100 grams (for solids) or 100 millilitres (for liquids). These limits are based on dietary guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). For example, under proposed regulations for food sold to children, a solid food is considered high in added sugar if it has more than 3g/100g and high in salt if it exceeds 0.625g/100g. The FSSAI's latest proposal for general packaged foods states that a warning will be triggered even if just one of the three nutrients—added sugar, added fat, or salt—crosses its prescribed limit. This is a move towards stricter, more transparent labelling.
Focus on Added vs. Total Nutrients
A key aspect of the new rules is the focus on 'added' sugar and 'added' fat, rather than total amounts. The FSSAI argues that naturally occurring sugars, like those in fruit or milk, come with other beneficial nutrients and should be treated differently from sugars added during processing. However, this has been a point of debate, with some health advocates arguing that total sugar and fat should be considered to give a truer picture of the product's health impact. For now, the regulation focuses on what manufacturers add to the product.
Are Any Foods Exempt?
Yes, not every packaged item will carry these warnings. The regulations exempt certain single-ingredient products where fat, sugar, or salt is a natural and primary component. This includes items like milk and milk products, ghee, vegetable oils, cane sugar, jaggery, and honey. Fresh produce like fruits and vegetables is also exempt. The goal is to target processed and ultra-processed foods where these nutrients are often added in high quantities to improve taste and shelf life.
How to Use These Labels Effectively
These front-of-pack warnings are a powerful shortcut, but they aren't the whole story. Use the red hexagon as a quick screening tool. When comparing two similar products, like breakfast cereals or snack bars, a warning label on one can quickly guide you towards the healthier option. However, it is still wise to turn the pack over and check the full ingredient list and the detailed nutrition panel. This will give you a more complete understanding of what you are eating, including positive nutrients like fibre and protein. The front-of-pack label is the starting point for a more conscious shopping habit.
