FSSAI Ex-Chief Proposes Phased Food Warning Rollout

Former Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) chief Pawan Kumar Agarwal has urged the Supreme Court to consider a phased rollout of front-of-pack food warnings. He argued that the currently proposed nutrient thresholds are too broad, potentially placing warning labels on more than 94% of packaged foods.

Agarwal warned that such a high prevalence of labels could dilute their impact, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between healthier and less healthy options. To address this, his foundation suggested a more gradual approach.

The proposal involves setting interim thresholds first, followed by stricter limits over a period of three to five years. This phased strategy aims to ensure that the warning labels remain meaningful and effective in guiding consumer choices.

Under the suggested timeline, mandatory labelling would be proposed to start from July 1, 2027. This allows for a transition period where the industry can adapt to the new regulations while the criteria are tightened.

Agarwal’s intervention highlights the ongoing debate over how to implement effective food safety regulations without overwhelming consumers or the market.

What to watch: The Supreme Court’s ruling on the implementation timeline for front-of-pack food warnings.

Editor's note: The article accurately reflects the provided source summary.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: ET Healthworld