FSSAI proposes red hexagon warning labels for unhealthy packaged foods
FSSAI has proposed red hexagon warning labels on packaged foods high in added sugar, saturated fat, or salt, per a Supreme Court affidavit.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has moved to introduce a prominent front-of-pack warning label for unhealthy packaged foods. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on August 28, the regulator proposed a red hexagon symbol to flag products that are high in certain nutrients of concern.
The proposal initially targets items that contain high levels of two or more of three key ingredients: added sugar, added saturated fat, and salt. Specified highly sweetened beverages would also fall under the labelling requirement from the outset.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to help consumers make informed dietary choices at the point of purchase. By making the nutritional profile of packaged foods more visible, the label aims to address rising concerns over diet-related health issues in India.
The affidavit signals a phased approach, with the red hexagon applying first to the most nutritionally dense categories before potentially expanding to a wider range of products. The final contours of the labelling regime will depend on further regulatory deliberation and any directions from the Supreme Court.