What Are These New Labels?
The FSSAI has proposed a mandatory front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) system to highlight products that are high in added sugar, salt, or fat. The proposed design is a distinct red hexagon on a white background, placed on the top-left corner of the package.
Inside the hexagon, text will clearly state if the product is “HIGH IN SUGAR”, “HIGH IN SALT”, or “HIGH IN FAT”. If a product exceeds the threshold for multiple nutrients, they will all be listed within a single hexagon. This move, which follows a push from the Supreme Court for faster action on public health, is designed to give consumers clear, at-a-glance information to make healthier choices without having to decipher complex nutrition tables on the back of the pack.
Why Is This Happening Now?
India is facing a significant public health challenge. Unhealthy diets are a major contributor to the country's burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Studies show that NCDs account for nearly two-thirds of the disease burden in India, with dietary risks being a leading cause of death. The shift from traditional, minimally processed diets to convenient, ultra-processed foods, which are often packed with salt, sugar, and fat, is a key driver of this trend. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued dietary guidelines to tackle this, and the FSSAI's proposed labels are a direct regulatory response aimed at curbing the consumption of these unhealthy products.
How to Read the Warnings
The warnings are triggered when a product's content of added sugar, fat, or salt exceeds specific limits per 100g or 100ml. These thresholds are based on the 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. For example, for solid foods, a warning would be triggered for added fat content above 4.2g or salt content above 625mg per 100g. The system focuses on 'added' sugar and fat, distinguishing them from those naturally present in foods like milk or fruit. The goal is simple: if you see the red hexagon, it's a clear signal that the product should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The proposal also includes a front-of-pack warning for products containing non-caloric sweeteners.
What Does the Food Industry Say?
Food industry associations have raised concerns. While not opposing the idea of front-of-pack labels in principle, they have objected to certain details of the proposal. One major point of contention is the use of the colour red, which they argue could be confused by consumers with the existing red dot symbol for non-vegetarian food. Industry bodies have also questioned the uniform nutrient thresholds, arguing that they should be based on serving sizes rather than a standard 100g measure, as consumption patterns for items like pickles and spreads differ greatly from snacks or meals. Despite these objections, the FSSAI has indicated it is moving forward, though it will allow a voluntary compliance period for companies to adapt after the rules are finalised.
Lessons From Around the World
India is not the first country to implement such a system. Several nations, particularly in Latin America like Chile and Mexico, have successfully used front-of-pack warning labels to improve public health. In Chile, the introduction of black, stop-sign-shaped warnings led to a significant drop in the purchase of sugary drinks and prompted food companies to reformulate their products to avoid the labels. Studies in other countries have shown that these clear, simple warnings are quickly noticed by shoppers, improve their understanding of nutrition, and help them make healthier choices at the supermarket. The evidence suggests that such labels can be a powerful tool in promoting healthier diets on a national scale.
