The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved a significant amendment requiring the nutritional information on packaged food labels to display "Total Sugar, Salt, and Saturated Fat" in bold letters and a larger font size.
This initiative aims to enhance consumer awareness and promote healthier choices in combating the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
FSSAI announced the latest amendment on their official Instagram handle, highlighting that the decision was made during the 44th meeting of the Food Authority. The amendment is designed to empower consumers with better information about the nutritional value of packaged foods, thereby aiding them in making healthier decisions.
The move has been well-received by consumers, with many expressing their approval in the comments section of FSSAI’s post. Comments included praise such as "Much needed decision" and "Such a good step," while some users also suggested further measures, like stopping misleading advertisements and labels on packaging.
The draft notification for this amendment will soon be released to the public for suggestions and objections, according to FSSAI. This step is part of a broader effort to involve public opinion in the regulatory process.
In June this year, FSSAI directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to eliminate claims of '100% fruit juices' on products containing added nutritive sweeteners exceeding 15 gm/kg. Such products must be labeled as 'Sweetened juice.'
FSSAI believes that these changes will significantly contribute to public health by encouraging consumers to make more informed choices and reducing the incidence of NCDs through better dietary habits.
By enforcing clear and prominent nutritional labeling, FSSAI aims to mitigate the influence of attractive packaging and branding that often leads consumers to purchase less healthy food options.