India’s proposed front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods are facing objections from food industry bodies as the Supreme Court examines the framework proposed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The proposed system could change how consumers are alerted to high levels of sugar, salt and fat in packaged foods.
The All India Food Processors Association has asked the court to reconsider aspects of the proposed warning system, including the use of red and the nutrient thresholds that would trigger a warning. The industry body has argued that the colour could potentially be confused with existing food identification symbols.
FSSAI’s latest proposal moves towards a single-phase system under which a product exceeding the prescribed threshold for even one specified nutrient could receive a warning such as “HIGH SUGAR”, “HIGH SALT” or “HIGH FAT”. The proposed warning would appear as a red hexagon on the front of the package.
The thresholds are linked to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, developed by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. Industry representatives have questioned whether uniform limits should apply across different foods and consumption patterns and have argued that serving sizes should also be considered.
The Supreme Court has also questioned the time proposed for implementing the system. The court’s proceedings could influence the final design, thresholds and rollout of front-of-pack nutrition warnings in India.
