FSSAI proposes single-phase food warning labels, gives industry one-year transition time

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced plans to roll out a new front‑of‑pack nutrition labeling system. Under the proposal, packaged foods that exceed defined limits for sugar, fat or salt will carry a red hexagonal warning label. The label is intended to give shoppers an immediate visual cue about high levels of these nutrients.

Food Business Operators will be given a one‑year transition period to redesign packaging and meet the new requirements. The nutrient thresholds that trigger the warning will be drawn from recommendations issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research‑National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR‑NIN). The approach mirrors similar front‑of‑pack schemes in other markets, aiming to curb over‑consumption of unhealthy ingredients.

The proposal is still under consultation, and the final rules will be published after stakeholder feedback. Industry groups have been asked to align product formulations and packaging within the stipulated timeframe. The one‑year timeline gives companies a defined period to adjust packaging, supply chains, and product recipes if necessary.

What to watch: finalised thresholds and the impact on product reformulation once the one‑year deadline passes.

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

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