Nuffoods Spectrum - July 2024

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ELIMINATING FOOD FRAUD VULNERABILITIES
Claims are popularly placed on the front of food packages (FOP) as FOP attracts a lot of consumer attention. Presence of claims on the front of a package work as a signpost and help consumers focus on summary information and make an informed choice. When marketers use food images to make consumers remember health claims along with text-based information, consumers make false interpretations based on food images and forget about the text-based message suggesting that the
food is unhealthy. A study published in Elsevier in September 2023 examined the presence of claims on 230 food packages marketed in India and the extent of compliance with guidelines provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The results reveal that word claims (natural) and nutrient content claims are most popularly used on food packages. Still, a large number of claims used on food packages cannot be classified or verified due to the absence of clear definitions from the regulator. In addition to this, unhealthy foods carry claims and foods also contain claims which have been stated as prohibited. This calls for timely necessary actions on part of the regulator to protect the health of consumers.