2 hrs ago
FSSAI Proposes Red Hexagon Labels For High-Nutrient Foods
India’s food regulator wants to make important nutrition information easier to see.
It has proposed a red hexagon warning on the front of some food packages.
The warning could say that a food is high in salt, added sugar or added fat.
A product would need a warning if it is high in just one of these nutrients.
If it is high in more than one, the warning could name all of them together.
The label would be placed near the top left of the package.
Foods with non-caloric sweeteners could also have a front label saying they contain them.
The proposal will be shared for comments before any final rules are made.
Food companies would have 365 days to voluntarily start using the labels.
FSSAI has proposed front-of-pack red hexagon warnings for packaged foods high in added sugar, added fat or salt.
A warning could apply when a product exceeds the threshold for even one nutrient of concern.
The label would appear at the top left of the front pack, with applicable nutrients named inside the hexagon.
Foods and beverages containing non-caloric sweeteners could carry a front-of-pack declaration.
FSSAI expects to finalise draft regulations in about four months, followed by public comments and a 365-day voluntary implementation period.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- What
- FSSAI has proposed front-of-pack red hexagon warnings for packaged foods high in added sugar, added fat or salt, plus a front declaration for non-caloric sweeteners.
- Where
- On the front of packaged food and beverage products, with the warning placed at the top left.
- When
- FSSAI expects to issue and finalise the draft regulations in about four months; the draft would then be open for comments for 60 days.
- Why
- To make nutrition information more visible and easier for consumers to understand when choosing food.
Key facts
- Proposed warning design
- A red hexagon on a white square background, naming the nutrient of concern.
- Covered nutrients
- Added sugar, added fat and salt.
- Threshold rule
- Exceeding the threshold for any one nutrient would be sufficient for a warning.
- Threshold basis
- The ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024.
- Sweetener declaration
- Products containing non-caloric sweeteners could state “CONTAIN NON CALORIC SWEETENER” on the front.
- Public consultation
- The draft would be published for 60 days for stakeholder comments.
- Implementation period
- Food businesses would receive a 365-day voluntary implementation period.
Sources
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