FSSAI's proposed food label system lacks clear messaging: Experts

Labels must have unambiguous information about health value of a food product, they say

The front-of-pack nutrition label (FOPL) proposed by India’s food safety regulator doesn’t give a clear and unambiguous message about products because of its rating-based system, said doctors and experts.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in September issued draft regulation for FOPL, which is also termed ‘Indian Nutrition Rating’ (INR). The draft was open for public comments until November 19, and FSSAI has again invited fresh comments by doctors, public health experts and consumer rights organisations.

The FOPL draft regulation is based on a ‘star rating’ system, but paediatricians, endocrinologists and cardiologists working with institutes of national