Packaged food likely to see FSSAI health star ratings after one year

This move by FSSAI will impact food companies, including Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Britannia, Nestle India, and Amul

The implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI’s) health star rating (HSR) on packaged foods could take at least a year.

The statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare hopes to get the government’s green light by July-August. The draft guidelines will be floated after requisite approvals are in place. Once all comments are collated, it will then propose an HSR to the scientific panel.

“We are looking at a minimum of one year for the HSR rating to be implemented,” said Arun Singhal, chief executive officer, FSSAI, adding, “The HSR format was recommended