No More Sugarcoating: India’s Packaged Foods to Wear Their Warnings Up Front

Image Source: The Times Of India

In a decisive move to combat the rising tide of lifestyle-related illnesses, India is set to roll out bold front-of-pack health warnings on packaged food products. The initiative, spearheaded by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), aims to empower consumers with clear, visible nutritional information—especially on foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounting for over 60 percent of deaths in India, this regulatory shift marks a major milestone in public health policy.

Key highlights of the new labelling initiative:

1. FSSAI will mandate front-of-pack warning labels on high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) food and beverage products.
2. Labels will be designed to be bold, easy to read, and placed prominently on packaging to ensure instant visibility.
3. The move follows a Supreme Court directive urging FSSAI to finalize stricter labelling norms.
4. The new rules are expected to be finalized within the next three months, with phased implementation across categories.

Why front-of-pack labelling matters

Traditional nutrition labels, often tucked away on the back of packaging, are difficult to interpret and frequently ignored. The new front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) system flips that model by placing critical health information front and center. This includes warnings for excessive sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans fats—nutrients linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

The goal is to help consumers make informed choices at a glance, especially in a market flooded with ultra-processed foods. Studies from countries like Chile and Brazil show that bold warning labels can reduce consumption of unhealthy products and encourage manufacturers to reformulate recipes.

Public health urgency

India is facing a public health crisis driven by poor dietary habits. According to recent data:

- One in nine Indians has diabetes, while one in seven is pre-diabetic
- One in three suffers from hypertension
- Nearly 40 percent of adults show signs of abdominal obesity
- Over 5.8 million deaths annually are linked to NCDs

The rise of ultra-processed foods, often marketed as healthy or convenient, has exacerbated these trends. Many products contain hidden sugars, salts, and fats that escape consumer scrutiny due to vague or misleading labelling.

Regulatory momentum and stakeholder response

The push for clearer labelling has gained momentum from multiple fronts:

- A coalition of 29 public health and consumer organizations has urged the government to adopt Chile-style black octagon warnings
- Nutrition experts argue that star ratings and back-of-pack details are insufficient in a country with low literacy and language diversity
- The Supreme Court’s directive has accelerated FSSAI’s efforts to finalize the new rules

In addition to health warnings, the 2025 regulations also include:

- Mandatory visible expiry dates on all packaged foods
- Approval of recycled PET plastics for food-grade packaging
- Stricter hygiene and labelling norms for e-commerce food platforms

Challenges and implementation

While the intent is clear, implementation will require coordination across manufacturers, retailers, and regulators. Key challenges include:

- Standardizing warning thresholds for sugar, salt, and fat content
- Designing labels that are both informative and culturally accessible
- Ensuring compliance across small and large food producers

FSSAI is expected to roll out the regulations in phases, starting with high-risk categories like snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals.

Looking ahead

India’s bold labelling initiative could reshape consumer behavior, nudge industry reform, and reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases. By making health warnings impossible to ignore, the country is taking a proactive step toward a healthier future—one food pack at a time.

Sources: FoodInfotech, Online Legal India, India Today Insight, New Indian Express, FSSAI Updates.