FSSAI Proposes Nutrition Tables Instead Of Warning Labels On Packaged Food; What It Means?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has now officially proposed a front-of-pack nutrition table format instead of warning labels on food packs. But this could mean that consumers may have to do calculations before deciding to purchase the packaged food. Here’s what it means. 

Warning Labels Or Nutrition Tables On Packaged Food?

Do you think packaged food like biscuits, chips or any other processed items should come with warning labels like “high in salt” or “high in sugar” to help consumers make healthy choices, or should they come with a nutrition table instead? Which do you think is easier to interpret? According to The Times of India, instead of warning labels, the FSSAI has suggested a tabular declaration of the recommended daily requirement of added sugar, saturated fats and salt on food packs.

Reportedly, warning labels like “high in fat” are simple to read. But the nutritional table, on the other hand, makes things complex. The table lists the exact amounts of added sugar, saturated fat and salt per 100 grams or per serving size. Moreover, it also displays these numbers next to the recommended daily thresholds. But the problem is that this table is difficult to understand and may force a consumer to do a lot of mental maths before ultimately deciding to buy that product.

Also Read: Poor Hygiene At A Restaurant? Step-by-Step Guide To Report It To FSSAI Using This App

Public Health Advocates Not Happy With  Proposal 

According to Firstpost, FSSAI has submitted this proposal to the Supreme Court, and now it is a matter of a legal battle. Moreover, the decision could also determine how Indians understand the labels of nutritional content on the food packs they buy every day. Reportedly, the FSSAI is not ready to commit to providing a clear warning label on unhealthy packaged foods, which has naturally triggered anger among public advocates.

Experts are demanding easy language that will communicate health risks instantly. While the table will require shoppers to calculate serving sizes according to daily needs to make a decision, the nutritional table on food packs will also be difficult to interpret for people who cannot understand metrics.

Also Read: Cauliflowers To Packaged Food; Here’s Why Food Bills In India Can Cost More Soon

Now, let’s see what happens next. Would you prefer a clear warning or a nutritional table on packaged food? 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Danilin and Ekaterina79

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