FSSAI's proposed warning labels may leave loopholes for unhealthy foods, expert warns

An expert has raised concerns that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed red hexagonal warning labels on packaged foods may not effectively flag unhealthy products. The warning, intended to alert consumers to foods high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS), could be undermined by several ambiguities in the draft proposal.

The expert pointed to the nutrient threshold as a key area needing scrutiny. It remains unclear at what specific levels of fat, sugar, or salt a product would be required to carry the label, leaving room for products to be formulated just below the cut-off.

The timeline for the second phase of implementation was also flagged. Without a clear schedule, the rollout could be delayed, allowing unhealthy products to remain unlabelled for longer.

The definition of HFSS itself is another concern. A vague or narrow definition could exclude certain products that are high in these nutrients but do not fit a rigid classification.

The proposal's use of 'added' nutrients was also questioned. If the label only applies to added sugars, fats, or salts, products naturally high in these components might escape the warning.

Finally, the size of the warning label and the list of exemptions were cited as potential loopholes. A small label may not be noticeable, while broad exemptions could let many products avoid scrutiny altogether.