What is FSSAI's Latest Focus?
In recent months, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its scrutiny of packaged food labels. While there isn't one single 'fresh order' that changes everything overnight, a series of actions in 2026 show a clear direction:
holding companies accountable for the claims they make. FSSAI has issued notices to numerous brands for using potentially misleading terms like 'healthy', 'natural', 'zero maida', and 'plant-based' without sufficient evidence or proper certification. This crackdown is part of a broader push for transparency, which also includes amendments to labelling rules for non-retail and bulk packs, set to take effect from July 2027, ensuring that information is clear, legible, and traceable throughout the supply chain. The goal is to close loopholes and ensure the words on the package accurately reflect what's inside.
Decoding 'Fresh' and 'Natural'
Two of the most powerful words in food marketing are 'fresh' and 'natural', but they are often misused. According to FSSAI regulations, the term 'natural' can only be used for a single-ingredient food from a plant, animal, or mineral source that has not been heavily processed. Any processing, like washing or peeling, must not alter the food's basic nature. Multi-ingredient products can only be called 'natural' if every single component meets this strict definition. Similarly, FSSAI has specific conditions for using the word 'fresh'. For example, a notice was recently issued to a company for labelling its product 'Fresh Paneer' when it did not meet the required criteria. If a brand name itself includes words like 'natural' or 'fresh', it must carry a disclaimer stating that it is just a brand name and doesn't represent the product's true nature.
The Front-of-Pack Labelling Puzzle
A key battleground for consumer information is Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL). The idea is to provide a simple, at-a-glance summary of a product's nutritional value, often using stars or traffic-light colours. For years, FSSAI has been working on a mandatory FOPL system for India, with the proposed 'Indian Nutrition Rating' (INR) system suggesting a star rating from half a star (least healthy) to five stars (healthiest). However, the process has faced significant delays. A Parliamentary Panel in July 2026 expressed dismay over the slow progress, urging FSSAI to finalize the rules to help consumers easily identify products high in sugar, salt, and fat. While the debate continues, the back-of-pack nutritional panel remains your most reliable, albeit more complex, source of information.
The Serving Size Trap
One of the most common mistakes consumers make is ignoring the serving size listed on the nutrition label. All the values—calories, fat, sugar, and protein—are based on that specific serving size, which is often much smaller than what a person typically consumes. For instance, a packet of biscuits might list the nutrition information for a serving of just three biscuits, but you might eat the whole row. This 'serving size trap' can lead you to consume double or triple the calories, sugar, and fat you thought you were. Before you even look at the calorie count, check the serving size and the number of servings per container. Then, do the maths based on how much you realistically plan to eat. This simple step gives you a much more accurate picture of your intake.
Your Checklist Before You Buy
Navigating food labels requires a critical eye. Here are the key questions to ask: 1. What does the ingredients list say? Ingredients are listed by weight, from highest to lowest. If sugar, salt, or refined flour (maida) are near the top, be cautious. 2. Is the 'healthy' claim backed up? A product might claim to be 'high fibre' but also be packed with sugar. Look at the entire nutritional profile, not just one highlighted claim. 3. Does it say 'Organic' or 'Vegan'? Certified organic products must carry the Jaivik Bharat logo. Vegan claims also require prior approval and specific labelling. 4. Are the nutrition values per 100g or per serving? Always check the serving size and calculate accordingly. A DV (Daily Value) of 5% or less is low, while 20% or more is high for a nutrient. 5. Is it just a misleading brand name? FSSAI has flagged several brands with 'Healthy' in their name for potentially misleading consumers. The name is not a guarantee of health.
