Panel moots QR codes for pre-packaged foods

BACKING the adoption of a standardised Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) for all pre-packaged foods, a parliamentary committee has recommended QR-based multilingual food labelling to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and consumer protection across India’s diverse population.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT @ New Delhi

Noting that “current labels are often difficult for the average consumer to interpret and may not sufficiently guide healthier purchasing decisions,” the committee, headed by Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, said it recognises the need for an effective FOPL system to address the growing incidence of diet-related noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.

The committee, reviewing the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, noted that warning labels significantly enhance consumers’ ability to make quick and informed choices, particularly for those with low literacy levels.