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

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a new front-of-pack warning label for packaged foods in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court. The proposal calls for a prominent red, hexagonal symbol to alert consumers when products contain excessive levels of sugar, salt or saturated fat. The move follows strong observations from the Supreme Court during a PIL hearing concerning childhood obesity and concerns over inadequate disclosure of unhealthy ingredients. The proposed warnings are intended to make nutritional risks easier to identify and help consumers make informed food choices, according to an India Today report.

Food safety officials have also urged companies to adopt greater responsibility and go beyond minimum regulatory compliance, although some industry groups have expressed concerns over the proposed measures. The warning system is proposed to be introduced in two phases. Initially, products exceeding prescribed limits for any two of the three ingredients would carry warnings, before the requirement expands to products exceeding the limit for even one ingredient. Labels would prominently state “HIGH SUGAR,” “HIGH SALT” or “HIGH FAT” in large lettering, with the font at least one point larger than that used in the nutrition table. Basic single-ingredient foods, including ghee, oil, salt, sugar, jaggery and honey, are proposed to be exempted.