In a significant move to enhance consumer awareness and promote healthier dietary choices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved a proposal to display nutritional information for total sugar, salt, and saturated fat in bold letters and larger font sizes on food packaging labels. This decision, aimed at helping consumers better understand the nutritional value of the products they consume, was made during the 44th meeting of the Food Authority on July 6, 2024.
The approved amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, focuses on making nutritional information more visible and understandable. By highlighting key nutritional components such as total sugar, salt, and saturated fat, FSSAI aims to empower consumers to make informed and healthier dietary choices. This initiative is a critical step towards combating the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting overall public health and well-being.
Details of the Amendment
Under the new regulations, the per serve percentage (%) contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for total sugar, total saturated fat, and sodium content will be displayed in bold letters. This clear and distinguishable labelling requirement is intended to provide consumers with straightforward information about the nutritional content of food products, helping them to manage their dietary intake more effectively.
The draft notification for the proposed amendment will be made public to invite suggestions and objections, ensuring that all stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to the final regulations.
Combating Non-Communicable Diseases
The prioritization of clear labelling is part of a broader effort to address the global rise of NCDs. By making nutritional information more accessible, FSSAI aims to reduce the incidence of diseases related to poor dietary habits, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. This move aligns with global health initiatives that advocate for transparent food labelling to help consumers make healthier choices.
Preventing Misleading Claims
In addition to the new labelling requirements, FSSAI continues to issue advisories to prevent false and misleading claims by food business operators (FBOs). Recent advisories include directives to e-commerce websites to remove undefined terms such as “Health Drink,” and mandates for FBOs to eliminate claims like “100% fruit juices” from labels of reconstituted fruit juices. These measures ensure that consumers are not misled by inaccurate or exaggerated health claims.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
The 44th meeting of the Food Authority saw participation from senior officials from various ministries, including Health and Family Welfare, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Law and Justice, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Representatives from industry associations, consumer organizations, research institutes, and farmers’ organizations were also present, highlighting the collaborative approach taken by FSSAI to implement these important changes.
Looking Ahead
As FSSAI continues to refine and enforce food safety and labelling regulations, the focus remains on protecting consumer health and ensuring transparency in food labelling. The bold labelling proposal is a significant step forward in this mission, providing consumers with the information they need to make healthier dietary choices and ultimately contributing to the reduction of non-communicable diseases in India.
The draft notification for the proposed amendment is expected to be released soon, inviting public feedback and ensuring that the final regulations are comprehensive and effective. With these efforts, FSSAI reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting nutritional awareness across the country.
#food #fssai #foodsafety #nutrition #labelling
Source:
