India's Food Regulator Proposes Red Warning Labels for Packaged Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed the implementation of red hexagonal warning labels on the front of packaged foods high in added sugar, saturated fat, or salt. According to a compliance affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the labels will display warnings such as HIGH FAT, HIGH SUGAR, HIGH SALT, or HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE. The proposal suggests that these labels be applied to products exceeding thresholds specified under the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024. The font size for these warnings would be one point larger than the nutritional information found on the back of the packaging.

The FSSAI intends to implement the system in phases. Phase I will cover sweetened beverages and products high in two or more nutrients of concern. Phase II will extend the requirement to products high in any single nutrient. Certain items, including single ingredient products and foods inherently rich in these nutrients such as ghee, honey, and edible oil, are proposed for exemption.

This proposal follows a Supreme Court intervention on August 13, where justices questioned the regulator's reluctance to adopt international standards and asked if pressure from food manufacturers had influenced the decision. The court emphasized the need to protect public health, particularly for children, noting that many developed and developing countries already use such systems.

Reporting on the event varies by political lean. Center leaning coverage frames the move as a response to public outcry. Center right leaning coverage emphasizes the Supreme Court's push for clearer warnings and the specific details of the regulatory shift. Center left leaning coverage focuses on the legal proceedings and the specific requirements of the FSSAI affidavit.