The FSSAI has drafted a rule to place red hexagonal warning labels on packaged foods that are high in sugar, salt or saturated fat. The proposal comes after a directive from the Supreme Court, but experts say several loopholes could leave many unhealthy products unmarked.
Key Developments
- Labels will be red, hexagonal and placed on the front of the pack.
- A warning is triggered only when a product is high in two or more of the three nutrients of concern – added sugar, added salt or added saturated fat.
- Nutrition advocate Dr. Arun Gupta of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPI) argues this “two‑or‑more” rule defeats the purpose of a warning.
- Implementation timeline, label size, language (Hindi & English) and definition of HFSS foods are under scrutiny.
Important Facts
The draft requires a product to be flagged only if it exceeds the threshold for at least two nutrients. For example, a snack high in sugar but low in salt and fat would carry no label. Dr. Gupta recommends a simpler rule: a warning for each individual nutrient that exceeds its limit.
He also urges alignment with the ICMR‑NIN Dietary Guidelines 2024, which provide clear per‑100‑gram thresholds for total sugar and total fat.
The proposed label size is only one point larger than the back‑of‑pack nutrition table. Critics say this may not be visible enough, especially if the nutrition table is printed in tiny type. A size linked to the principal display area of the package is suggested.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this issue helps candidates in:
- GS 2 (Polity) – role of the Supreme Court in directing regulatory action.
- GS 3 (Economy) – how the FSSAI uses labeling to influence consumer behaviour and public health.
- GS 4 (Ethics) – ethical considerations of protecting vulnerable consumers through clear information.
Way Forward
Stakeholders propose the following actions:
- Adopt a single‑nutrient trigger: any product high in sugar, salt or saturated fat gets a label.
- Use the HFSS definition already discussed in the 2022 draft notification.
- Set label size relative to the principal display area to ensure visibility.
- Mandate bilingual (Hindi & English) warnings for nationwide reach.
- Align nutrient thresholds with the ICMR‑NIN 2024 Dietary Guidelines.
- Finalize a clear timeline for the second phase of implementation, as ordered by the Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for 10 September 2026.
Addressing these gaps will make the warning system more effective, helping consumers make healthier choices and reducing diet‑related diseases.