The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new regulation requiring packaged food items to prominently display nutritional information. This change aims to enhance consumer awareness and promote healthier dietary choices. The new mandate supersedes the previously proposed Front of Package Labelling (FoPL) regulations, which had faced significant resistance from food companies.
New Labeling Requirements
Under the new regulation, food companies must display information about total sugar, salt, and saturated fat in bold letters and larger font sizes on the labels of packaged food items. This is a significant shift from the current practice where nutrient information is printed on the back of the packaging. The bold and enlarged display aims to make it easier for consumers to understand the nutritional content of the foods they purchase, thereby aiding them in making healthier choices.
Impact on Consumer Health
The FSSAI’s decision is driven by the need to combat the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote public health. By making nutritional information more visible, the FSSAI hopes to empower consumers to make informed decisions about their diets. This move is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods, which are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Abandoning the Front of Package Labelling (FoPL) Proposal
The new regulation replaces the previously discussed FoPL regulations, which aimed to display nutritional information on the front of the packaging. The FoPL proposal included a star rating system to indicate the healthiness of food items based on their salt, sugar, and fat content. Consumer organizations had advocated for a traffic light labeling system, with red indicating the most unhealthy and green the least. However, after years of debate and resistance from food companies, the FoPL proposal was shelved.
Public Consultation and Implementation
The FSSAI has announced that the draft notification for this amendment will be put in the public domain to invite suggestions and objections. This step ensures that stakeholders, including consumers, food companies, and health organizations, have an opportunity to provide feedback on the new regulation.
Conclusion
The FSSAI’s new regulation mandating bold and larger font sizes for displaying nutritional information on packaged food labels is a significant step towards improving public health. By making it easier for consumers to understand the nutritional content of their food, this regulation aims to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and encourage healthier eating habits. The shift from the back-of-the-pack nutrient information to a more prominent display is expected to have a positive impact on consumer choices and overall public health.
How to Check Nutritional Information on Packaged Food Labels
- Look for Bold Letters
- Nutritional information such as total sugar, salt, and saturated fat will now be displayed in bold letters.
- Check the Front and Back
- While the new regulation emphasizes bold information, ensure to check both front and back labels for comprehensive details.
- Understand Per Serve Contribution
- Labels will provide information on the per serve percentage contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for total sugar, saturated fat, and sodium content.
- Stay Informed
- Keep an eye out for the draft notification in the public domain and provide feedback if necessary.
By following these steps, consumers can make informed choices and better manage their dietary intake to align with health recommendations.
