Nutritional info must be highlighted, says FSSAI

INDIA'S food regulator on Saturday approved a proposal to display nutritional information regarding total sugar, salt and saturated fat in bold letters and relatively increased font size on labels of packaged food items.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT

Currently, food companies in India are mandated to print basic nutrient information on back-of-the-packs only.

But, globally, food companies have to follow front-pack labelling, which has proven to help in reducing consumption of unhealthy foods - a demand made by consumer rights group in India too. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India decision to approve the amendment in the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 regarding nutritional information labelling was taken in the 44th meeting of the Food Authority.

The draft notification for the amendment would now be put in the public domain for inviting suggestions and objections.

"The amendment aims to empower consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the product they are consuming," FSSAI said.