India's front-of-pack food labels lag behind global standards

India's food regulator continues to work on finalising front-of-pack labelling guidelines, a move that would place the country among global peers in providing consumers with at-a-glance nutritional information on packaged products. Currently, India relies on back-of-pack nutrition information panels, which many health experts argue fail to influence consumer purchasing decisions effectively.

Several countries have already implemented front-of-pack systems with marked success. Chile, Mexico, and Peru use bold black warning labels on high-sodium, high-sugar, and high-fat foods. The United Kingdom and several European nations employ a colour-coded "traffic light" system—green, amber, and red—to indicate nutritional quality. Australia and New Zealand have adopted a star-rating system that provides a quick nutritional score. France's Nutri-Score, a five-letter grading system, has gained traction across Europe and is increasingly recognised as a consumer-friendly approach.

India's proposed framework is still under review by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The regulatory approach will likely balance industry concerns with public health objectives, as food manufacturers have raised concerns about implementation timelines and potential market impacts. Health advocates have meanwhile pushed for warning-label systems similar to those adopted in Latin American countries, which have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing consumption of unhealthy products.

The delay in implementing front-of-pack labelling leaves Indian consumers at a disadvantage compared to those in other major economies, particularly as awareness of diet-related health conditions continues to rise. Industry observers expect a decision on India's final approach within the coming months, which could set a precedent for food labelling practices across South Asia.