Food Labels

Front-of-pack warning labels identifying packaged foods high in added sugar, added fat or salt can make nutritional risks more visible to consumers and help them make more informed choices, health experts said, stressing the need for nutrition education alongside labelling. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a red hexagonal warning on the front of packaged food products that cross specified thresholds for "even one" nutrient of concern. The thresholds are based on the ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024. Dr Naval K Vikram, Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS-Delhi, said the proposed front-of-pack warning labels can play an important role in helping people recognise foods that contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt or fat at the point of purchase. "Obesity and metabolic diseases are influenced by multiple factors, but dietary patterns and frequent consumption of highly processed foods are important contributors," Vikram said. "Most

India ordered makers of high-caffeine beverages sold as 'energy drinks' to stop using the description, rejecting efforts to stall the move in a market expected to be worth $1.6 billion by 2028

The move has triggered a standoff, as Pepsi, Red Bull, ​Monster Beverage and Mukesh Ambani's Reliance fear removing the category label could damage brands built around instant-energy claims

In an unprecedented food safety crackdown, India has raided eateries and shut ​scores of restaurants and factories nationwide on grounds of hygiene lapses

India is in the midst of an unprecedented food safety crackdown, including nationwide raids against eateries, amid concern over poor hygiene and standards

Leading packaged food firm Orkla India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Sharma has supported the sectoral watchdog FSSAI's proposed front-of-pack labelling norms, saying consumers have every right to know the nutritional details of the products they buy. Responding to PTI over a query on front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) initiatives, Sharma said the industry is aligned with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) intent to empower consumers to make informed choices as awareness levels continue to rise. Consumers deserve greater information about the products they consume, and the food industry is fully supportive of the food regulator FSSAI's push in this direction, said Sharma, who is engaged with industry body CII on this issue. "As an industry, I can tell you that the industry is very much with the regulator in this space where we want to ensure that, as the knowledge levels among consumers are rising, we should ensure that we give all the ...

In a setback to the industry, the FSSAI said it could introduce tougher red warning labels on food that exceeds government-set limits ‌on added sugar, salt or saturated fat in one go

Proposal to implement red warning labels has jolted $100 bn packaged food ‌industry that long opposed such measures, but is also angering activists who have publicly criticised the plan as too lenient

Canada's food safety agency is assessing whether an Indian operation that used fake expiry dates and nutrition information on food products poses a risk to imports

India's push for clearer nutritional warnings has faced resistance from food giants, even as similar companies use prominent labels in overseas markets

Scrutiny of terms such as healthy, natural and 100 per cent, restrictions on 'energy drink' branding and possible front-of-pack warnings could force companies to rethink packaging and positioning

India is yet to finalise its front-of-pack labelling rules. Here's how its proposed approach compares with warning labels and nutrition ratings used in other countries

From misleading labels and '100%' purity claims to liquor, nutraceuticals, packaged water and quick commerce, here's a look at FSSAI's recent enforcement actions

Food regulator FSSAI on Sunday said it has suspended the licence of Westend Agro Products Pvt Ltd, for serious violation of laws including alteration of manufacturing and expiry dates on many products. In a social media post, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) informed that it has suspended the licence of Westend Agro Products " following serious violations observed during inspection at the food business premises". The regulator received a complaint regarding the alteration of manufacturing dates, packing dates, fraudulent re-labelling and sale of misbranded food products at the premises. During the inspection, it was found that Westend Agro Products, and Westend Corporation were operating from the same premises. "Several food products were found with altered manufacturing dates, expiry dates, batch numbers and misleading label declarations," FSSAI said. That apart, the regulator found printing machinery, stamps, solvents and other materials which were allege

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's recent crackdown on misleading food labels is beginning to show on store shelves

The notices cover products ranging from health supplements and breads to snacks, juices and organic foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Sunday issued notices to eight food business operators for using misleading brand names, trade names and product claims in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The companies served notices include Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B and Neuherbs. The regulator announced the notices through its official social media handles. Among the prominent names flagged is Emami Healthy & Tasty, the cooking oils arm of the Kolkata-based Emami Group. FSSAI said its trade name is "likely to mislead consumers and appears to be in contravention of applicable FSSAI regulations". Plan B, which markets its products as "plant based vegan", has drawn the regulator's attention for creating the impression that its products are vegan - without obtaining prior approval for vegan food endorsement in its FSSAI licence. The Healthy Factory's "Zero Maida Whole ...

The move goes beyond packaging, with experts suggesting it could improve consumer trust, curb misleading claims and support category growth

Detailed diagrams specifying the logo, including size, placement, and colour standards, were provided in the notification to guide manufacturers

Food safety authority FSSAI on Wednesday urged plant-based food manufacturers to adopt QR codes on product labels, saying existing labels are too small for consumers to read, as the regulator seeks to build trust in a rapidly growing sector. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani, speaking at the 4th Plant-Based Foods Summit, said the authority was not looking to make QR codes mandatory, but wanted companies to voluntarily adopt the technology so younger consumers could scan and verify ingredient lists and nutritional content. "The label is too small, it's difficult to read and difficult to comprehend," Punhani said, adding that Gen Z consumers in particular could benefit from being able to scan codes to check daily nutritional requirements. Punhani acknowledged that the regulator faced conflicting pressures from the food industry and the medical community over the health merits of plant-based diets, and said misinformation on soci