Key Takeaways
- Indian food businesses may need clearer labels for high-nutrient products.
- FSSAI has proposed red warnings for products high in key nutrients.
- Phased implementation could give food companies time for product changes.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked food safety stakeholders to consider front-of-pack warning labels for packaged products high in salt, sugar, and fat. The court said the issue should be considered in the national interest, with a focus on consumer health, especially among children.
FSSAI proposes new front-of-pack warning labels
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prominent red warning labels for packaged food products containing high levels of certain nutrients. The proposal covers products that are high in any 2 or more of added saturated fat, added sugar, and salt.
The proposed label would use a red hexagonal shape and carry declarations such as “High Fat,” “High Sugar,” “High Salt,” or “Highly Sweetened Beverage.” The thresholds would be based on the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, issued by ICMR NIN.
FSSAI has also proposed a phased approach. The first phase would cover products high in 2 or more specified nutrients and certain sweetened beverages. The second phase would extend warnings to products high in any 1 of the specified nutrients.
For Indian food manufacturers, retailers, and consumer brands, the proposal could affect packaging and product information if implemented. Businesses may also need to review nutrient levels, packaging designs, and product formulations based on the final requirements.
The court also asked whether existing information on the rear of food packages provides enough guidance to identify products with high levels of salt, sugar, or fat. FSSAI told the court that international practices include showing nutrient content based on both 100 grams and the quantity per serving.
Food industry faces potential changes in packaging
The proposed front-of-pack warning labels could create changes across India’s packaged food market. Companies selling snacks, beverages, and other processed products would need to account for the proposed nutrient thresholds when preparing packaging and product information.
The phased approach outlined by FSSAI is intended to give consumers time to understand the labels and provide food companies with time for reformulation. The proposal could also create differences in how businesses position products based on their nutrient content.
The Supreme Court has asked stakeholders to study information that will be included in its detailed order. The matter has been posted for September 28.
The proceedings also highlighted the difference between standard nutrition information and prominent warnings on the front of a package. Front-of-pack warning labels are designed to make key nutrition information easier to see before consumers purchase a product.
For Indian entrepreneurs and food businesses, the proposed system could make packaging decisions more closely linked to product composition. Companies may need to assess whether existing products meet the proposed thresholds and whether changes to recipes or packaging would be required.
The proposal is still being considered, and the final format and implementation approach have not been established. The next stage will depend on the information placed before the court and the decisions taken on the proposed warning system.
The development could affect how packaged food companies present products to Indian consumers if the proposed front-of-pack warning labels move ahead. It also gives businesses an early indication of the areas that may require attention, including nutrient levels, packaging information, and product reformulation.
