Introduction
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has presented a proposal for implementing red hexagon-shaped warning labels on pre-packaged food items that are high in sugar, salt, or fat. This move follows a directive from the Supreme Court of India, urging the regulatory body to consider such measures to protect public health.
Background
The Supreme Court’s directive came during proceedings led by Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran. The bench had previously criticized FSSAI for its hesitation to adopt warning labels, questioning whether the agency was influenced by corporate interests in the food industry. The court’s order arose from a petition filed by 3S and Our Health Society, demanding the implementation of front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods.
The Proposal
In response to the court’s concerns, FSSAI submitted an affidavit detailing a proposed labeling system. The proposal includes front-of-pack labels that clearly indicate high levels of added sugar, saturated fat, or salt, using a red hexagonal symbol. These labels aim to provide consumers with easy-to-understand warnings on products containing concerning nutrient levels, as defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 issued by ICMR-NIN.
Label Specifications
The proposed labels will display messages such as “HIGH FAT,” “HIGH SUGAR,” or “HIGH SALT,” and for beverages, “HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE,” depending on the nutrient content. The font size for these warnings will be slightly larger than the nutritional information provided on the back of the packaging.
Exemptions and Implementation
Certain products, like single-ingredient items and those naturally rich in fat, sugar, or salt—such as ghee, edible oil, salt, sugar, jaggery, and honey—will be exempted from these new requirements, although existing food safety regulations will still apply.
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Phased Rollout
FSSAI has planned a phased rollout to facilitate industry adaptation and consumer education. Phase I will focus on products that exceed specified levels of two or more of the three targeted nutrients, as well as certain sweetened beverages. Phase II will expand to include products high in just one of the specified nutrients. This staged approach allows manufacturers time to reformulate products and helps build acceptance among consumers.
Conclusion
The proposed amendments to the food safety regulations are intended to be consumer-friendly, helping people make informed dietary choices, especially children and other vulnerable groups. FSSAI has committed to implementing these changes through regulatory amendments, as communicated to the Supreme Court. The petitioners are represented by Advocate Rajiv Shankar Dvivedi.
