In a move welcomed by health advocates, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a historic step towards empowering consumers. FSSAI has approved a proposal that mandates packaged food manufacturers to display bigger labels of nutritional information. Manufacturers must present the total sugar, salt, and saturated fat content in a bolder and more prominent way.
FSSAI Mandates Bigger Labels Of Nutritional Information
This decision comes amidst growing concerns from healthcare and nutritional experts. The excessive consumption of packaged foods laden with these very ingredients need to be informed. Studies have consistently linked high intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fat to a rise in non-communicable diseases.
The new regulation aims to make this crucial information readily accessible to consumers. The new regulations will require packaged food labels to display the content of total sugar, salt, and saturated fat in bold letters and with a relatively increased font size. This will allow consumers to easily identify these key components at a glance.
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Clear, Prominent And Easy To Understand
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has emphasized an additional requirement for the labels. They will include information regarding the per serve percentage contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for these same elements. This measure ensures consumers receive clear information about their nutritional intake. It will help them understand how much each serving of the packaged food contributes to their daily recommended intake.
The Food Authority decided to amend the existing Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, during its 44th meeting. The current regulations already mandate that labels include serving size and nutritional information. The new amendment ensures that this critical information is presented clearly, prominently, and in a way that is easy for consumers to understand.
The FSSAI will soon share a draft notification for public feedback. This step invites suggestions and objections to be considered before finalising the amendment. This commitment to transparency ensures the final regulations are well-rounded and effectively address the needs of both consumers and the food industry.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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