Front-of-pack nutrition labelling to be rolled out in single phase
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed the Supreme Court that it plans to introduce front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPL) for packaged food products. The proposed labels are intended to give consumers clear information about the levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat in food products.
FSSAI has sought four months to prepare and finalise the draft regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Once the draft is prepared, it will be made available for public and stakeholder comments for 60 days. The proposal will also be shared with the World Trade Organization (WTO) as part of the required consultation process.
The development comes in response to a petition filed by Kerala-based NGO 3S and Our Health Society. The organisation had approached the Supreme Court seeking clear rules for warning labels on packaged foods containing high levels of nutrients considered a health concern.
Under the proposed system, warning information would be displayed prominently on the front of food packages. FSSAI has proposed using a red hexagon with a white square background to make the information easily visible to consumers.
If a product contains only one nutrient of concern, the relevant information would be displayed inside the hexagon. If a product contains two or three nutrients of concern, the information for all of them would be included within a single hexagon.
The proposed labels are intended to help consumers quickly understand important nutritional information without having to read the detailed nutrition table on the back of a package.
FSSAI has also proposed a separate warning for products containing non-caloric sweeteners. Such products would carry the statement, “CONTAINS NON CALORIC SWEETENER” on their packaging.
The issue has been under consideration by the Supreme Court, which had earlier questioned the delay in introducing front-of-pack warning labels. The court has been examining the need for clearer nutritional information on packaged foods and the steps being taken by the food regulator.
The proposed regulations are now expected to go through the drafting and consultation process. Feedback from food manufacturers, consumer groups, health experts and other stakeholders will be considered before the final rules are notified.
The introduction of front-of-pack labels could give consumers a simpler way to identify products containing higher levels of sugar, salt or saturated fat. The proposed system is aimed at making nutritional information more visible and supporting consumers in making informed food choices.
The final design, wording and implementation timeline will depend on the regulatory process and the feedback received during the consultation period.