FSSAI proposes red hexagon warning labels for high-salt, high-sugar snacks

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has submitted a proposal to the Supreme Court outlining a new front-of-package warning system for processed foods. In an affidavit filed on August 28, the regulator detailed plans for a distinctive red hexagon label to identify products posing potential health risks.

Under the proposed framework, the warning label would be applied to packaged snacks and beverages containing high levels of two or more "nutrients of concern." The authority has identified added sugar, added saturated fat, and sodium as the primary health indicators triggering the warning. Additionally, certain highly sweetened beverages would automatically qualify for the red hexagon marking regardless of other nutritional factors.

The initiative reflects growing public health concerns about diet-related diseases in India, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Consumer advocacy groups have long pressed for clearer labeling requirements to help shoppers make informed purchasing decisions at retail outlets.

The proposal marks a significant step toward enhanced food transparency standards. If approved by the court, manufacturers would be required to redesign packaging for affected products within a specified compliance period. The red hexagon system aims to provide immediate visual alerts on shelf displays, enabling consumers to quickly identify foods with concerning nutritional profiles during shopping.