FSSAI Studying Global Norms Before Finalising Labelling Regulations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is looking at global models adopted by various countries for labelling standards of packaged foods. This is being done before the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2018, is finalised by the government.

In April, the regulator released the draft of the labelling regulations which has proposed front-of-the-pack nutritional information, besides red colour coded labels for foods which have high levels of fat, sugar and salt content. Some food companies have raised concerns about the red colour-coded labels.

Mr. Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI, said, “Food businesses have no issues with front-of-pack labelling. They have raised concerns regarding the thresholds and colour-coded labels for HFSS foods. We are looking at various global models such as the Australia-New Zealand model that has voluntary star rating or the Mexico and UK model. We are seeking comments and views from stakeholders on the same before we finalise the labelling regulations.” The labelling regulations are likely to be finalised in the next two-three months.

“We want food businesses to begin taking cognisance of the fact that whatever they produce is important from a public health perspective and not just from their bottomline perspective. It is being done in consumer interest. We have asked food companies for their gameplan to look at launching healthier food options in the market,” he added.

“FSSAI has also proposed that a company must make a declaration on the label in case its food product has 5 per cent or more of genetically engineered or genetically modified ingredients. This has been proposed to increase consumer awareness. Imported GM food is coming to India whether it is in the form of soya products and edible oils. In case of oils, GM is negligible.” he added.