Junk foods will soon have labels warning of high salt, sugar and fat | India News - The Times of India
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) informed the Supreme Court that packaged ultra-processed products will soon display prominent front-of-pack warning labels. Responding to public interest litigation aimed at curbing health risks like childhood obesity, FSSAI proposed red hexagonal indicators identifying high levels of salt, sugar, or fat. The initiative draws on guidelines established by ICMR-NIN to help buyers make healthier choices quickly. Implementation will occur in phases: Phase I will target products exceeding limits in multiple nutrients, followed by single-nutrient warnings in Phase II. Single-ingredient items like ghee, edible oils, salt, and honey remain exempt from these warnings.
The Key points
- Mandatory Red Warnings: Packaged foods high in sodium, added sugar, or saturated fat must feature clear red hexagonal labels on the front.
- Supreme Court Push: The regulatory action follows directions from the apex court in response to a public interest petition advocating clear dietary information.
- Phased Rollout: Phase I covers items exceeding two or more nutrient thresholds, allowing manufacturers time to reformulate before Phase II expands to single-nutrient triggers.
- Exempted Staples: Pure single-ingredient essentials like edible oil, ghee, sugar, honey, and raw salt are excluded from warning tags.
- Nutrient Standards: Limits align with the 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians recommended by ICMR-NIN.
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