Food safety experts flag gaps in FSSAI's proposed warning label system

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's plan to introduce red hexagonal warning labels on packaged foods containing high levels of fat, sugar, and salt faces significant implementation challenges that could undermine its intended public health impact, experts have cautioned.

Nutritionists and public health specialists have identified multiple areas of concern in the proposal, including the nutrient thresholds that would trigger warning labels, the definition of what constitutes HFSS (high fat, sugar, salt) foods, and criteria for exemptions that may inadvertently shield unhealthy products from scrutiny.

The concerns extend to technical aspects of the regulatory framework, including the timeline for the scheme's second phase rollout, rules governing the use of added nutrients on packaging, and the physical size of warning labels themselves. Experts worry that inadequately sized labels or overly lenient nutrient thresholds could reduce the system's effectiveness in guiding consumer choices toward healthier options.

The phased implementation approach has also drawn attention, with stakeholders questioning whether delays between phases could create regulatory gaps. Industry observers note that precise definitions and consistent enforcement standards will be critical to ensuring the warning label system achieves its public health objectives across India's diverse packaged food market.

The FSSAI is expected to address these technical and definitional concerns as it refines the proposal ahead of full implementation.