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FSSAI’s New Labelling Directive
Bold labels on food packs to warn of health risk contents
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a significant new directive aimed at transforming the way consumers interact with packaged foods.
What is the recent directive of the FSSAI?
FSSAI has introduced Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL) regulations that mandate bold, clear warnings on packaged foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans fats. These labels will appear prominently on the front of food packs—making it easier for consumers to spot health risks like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity at a glance. Key features include:
- Bold nutritional warnings for high-risk ingredients.
- Visible expiry dates on all packaging, including loose items.
- Stricter rules for recycled packaging to ensure safety and sustainability.
Why is this directive issued?
- The directive stems from a Supreme Court order following a public interest litigation case demanding transparent food labelling to combat the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases. The Court gave FSSAI a final three-month extension in July 2025 to submit its report, which is now being finalised.
- India is now considered the world’s diabetes capital, and unhealthy packaged foods are a major contributor. The urgency is driven by alarming statistics:
- 101 million Indians currently live with diabetes (ICMR, 2023).
- 449 million adults are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050 (Lancet study).
- Global best practices, inspired by countries like Chile, Israel, and Brazil have adopted FoPL that use warning labels to reduce unhealthy food consumption.
How can it ensure India’s health security?
- Empowers Consumers: Provides at-a-glance warnings → easier, quicker decisions for healthier eating.
- Reduces Disease Burden: Can help curb rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
- Encourages Industry Reformulation: Food companies may reduce harmful ingredients to avoid “high salt/sugar/fat” warnings.
- Supports Preventive Healthcare: Shifts focus from treatment to prevention of lifestyle diseases.
- Long-term Economic Benefits: Reduces healthcare expenditure and productivity loss linked to NCDs.
- Public Health Milestone: If enforced with strict compliance, it could be among India’s most significant nutrition and health interventions in decades.
