FSSAI approves enhanced nutritional labelling for packaged foods.
New Delhi:
In its 44th meeting, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has greenlit a proposal to modify nutritional information labelling for packaged foods. Under the revised Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, total sugar, salt, and saturated fat content will now be highlighted in bold letters and a larger font size on product labels.
Chaired by Apurva Chandra, Chairperson of FSSAI, the meeting aimed to empower consumers by providing clearer insights into the nutritional composition of products, thereby aiding healthier consumption choices. This move is part of broader efforts to combat the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and to enhance public health and well-being.
The amendment mandates that nutritional information such as the percentage (%) contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for total sugar, saturated fat, and sodium content must be prominently displayed. This requirement is stipulated under Regulation 2 (v) and 5(3) of the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulation, 2020, which also specifies guidelines for serving sizes.
In addition to benefiting consumers, the revised labelling aims to streamline global efforts against NCDs by ensuring transparency and clarity in food product information.
Furthermore, FSSAI has been proactive in issuing advisories to prevent misleading claims by Food Business Operators (FBOs). Recent directives include removing unsubstantiated health claims from labels and advertisements, such as ‘Health Drink’ and ‘100% fruit juices’ for reconstituted juices.
The draft notification of these amendments will soon be open to public feedback, inviting suggestions and objections to ensure inclusivity in the regulatory process.
Key stakeholders including senior officials from various ministries, industry associations, consumer organizations, research institutes, and farmers’ organizations participated in the meeting, emphasizing the collaborative approach towards enhancing food safety and consumer awareness.
