India's Food Regulator Floats Warning Labels for Packaged Foods

India's food safety regulator has moved to introduce front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products, according to a court filing. The proposal marks a reversal of the regulator's earlier stance and comes amid growing public concern over inadequate nutritional information on product packaging.

The regulator has suggested a red-coloured hexagonal label for items that are high in any two or more of the following nutrients: fat, sugar, or salt. The design is intended to make it easier for consumers to identify less healthy options at a glance.

The details of the proposal were disclosed in a court filing, which has not been made public. The move signals a significant shift in policy, responding to consumer advocacy and rising demand for greater transparency in food labelling.

If implemented, the new labelling requirement would apply across a wide range of packaged foods sold in India, potentially reshaping how manufacturers present nutritional information. The proposal is now subject to the legal and regulatory process before any final rules are notified.