What Is Changing on Your Food Packets?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is rolling out a new system called Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FoPNL). Instead of just the detailed nutritional grid on the back, many packaged foods will now feature a simple, at-a-glance
rating on the front. This new system is called the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR). It will use a star-rating format, much like the energy-efficiency stars on home appliances. The scale will range from a half-star (least healthy) to five stars (healthiest), giving you a quick visual cue about the product's overall nutritional value.
How the Star Rating System Works
The INR system calculates a score for each product based on its composition per 100g or 100ml. The calculation considers 'negative' nutrients like high levels of saturated fat, total sugar, and sodium, which can increase health risks. It then balances this against the 'positive' nutrients, such as the content of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, millets, dietary fibre, and protein. A product with a low score, meaning it is less healthy, will get fewer stars, while a product with a high score from more beneficial ingredients gets more stars. The goal is to help you compare two similar products—say, two brands of breakfast cereal—and quickly identify the healthier option.
Why This Change Is Happening Now
The push for clearer food labels comes amid rising public health concerns in India. An increase in the consumption of packaged and ultra-processed foods, often high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), is linked to a growing incidence of non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Health experts and consumer groups have argued that the traditional nutrition information panel, tucked away on the back of the pack, is often complex and not easily understood by the average shopper at the point of purchase. The new INR system is a response to this, aimed at empowering consumers to make healthier choices without needing a degree in nutrition. The move has also been urged by a parliamentary panel and the Supreme Court to help consumers identify unhealthy foods at a glance.
Which Foods Will Get the New Labels?
The new star ratings will primarily apply to pre-packaged processed foods. However, not every item on the shelf will have an INR label. FSSAI has exempted several categories. These exemptions typically include single-ingredient foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, pulses, flour, and raw meat or fish. Also exempt are milk and some milk products, herbs and spices, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. The focus is squarely on multi-ingredient, processed products where the nutritional balance can be complex and where added sugars, salts, and fats are most prevalent. If a product makes a specific health claim, like being "rich in protein," it will be required to display the full nutrition labelling.
How to Use the New Labels for Healthier Shopping
When you see the new INR logo, the first step is to check the star count. More stars indicate a better nutritional profile within a specific food category. It’s important to remember that a 3-star frozen pizza is not necessarily healthier than a 2-star dal; the rating is designed for comparing similar items. While the stars provide a quick summary, they are not a replacement for reading the full ingredient list and nutrition panel, especially if you have specific dietary needs or allergies. FSSAI regulations also mandate that allergens like gluten, soy, nuts, and milk be clearly declared. Use the star rating as your first filter, but use the back-of-pack information to make the final, most informed decision.
