FSSAI Proposes Red ‘High Sugar, High Salt, High Fat’ Warning Labels for Packaged Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prominent red warning labels on packaged foods containing excessive levels of sugar, salt or fat, in a major move aimed at helping consumers make healthier food choices.

Under the proposed system, qualifying packaged products would carry a bright red hexagonal warning symbol on the front of the pack, similar to a stop sign.

Depending on the nutritional content, the label could display warnings such as “HIGH SUGAR”, “HIGH SALT” or “HIGH FAT” in clearly visible lettering. A separate “HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE” warning has also been proposed for certain drinks.

FSSAI disclosed the proposal in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, following judicial scrutiny over delays in implementing clearer front-of-pack nutrition warnings in India.

The regulator said the proposed labels are intended to provide consumers with simple, prominent and easily understandable information, particularly benefiting children and other vulnerable groups.

Under the current proposal, implementation would take place in two phases.

In the first phase, warning labels would apply to products exceeding prescribed limits for two or more nutrients of concern, including added sugar, added fat and salt.

The second phase would expand the requirement to foods exceeding the prescribed limit for even one of these nutrients.

The nutrient thresholds are expected to be linked to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024, issued by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.

FSSAI has also proposed that warning text should appear in a font at least one point larger than the nutritional information displayed on the back of the package, making the warning easier for consumers to notice.

However, some products are expected to remain exempt. Proposed exemptions include certain single-ingredient foods and products naturally high in sugar, salt or fat, such as ghee, edible oil, salt, sugar, jaggery and honey.

The development follows strong observations from the Supreme Court over the need for consumers—especially children—to clearly understand the nutritional risks associated with packaged foods.

The proposal could have a significant impact on India’s packaged food and beverage industry. Major companies and industry groups have previously raised concerns about front-of-pack warning systems, while public-health campaigners have argued that clearer warnings are necessary to tackle rising obesity and diet-related illnesses.

For consumers, the proposed red labels could make it much easier to identify products containing excessive sugar, salt or fat without having to closely examine detailed nutritional information.

The warning-label system is not yet a final mandatory rule. FSSAI has informed the Supreme Court that the changes will be formally notified through amendments to relevant food-safety regulations after completing the prescribed regulatory process.

source – FSSAI
Supreme News Network