India proposes front-of-pack red warning labels for high sugar, salt, fat foods

India's food regulator has proposed mandatory front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods and drinks high in sugar, salt, or fat. This marks a significant policy reversal for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had previously opposed strict labeling requirements.

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The warning label shall indicate the applicable declaration, such as 'HIGH FAT', 'HIGH SUGAR', 'HIGH SALT' and/or 'HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE' ... to enable consumers to readily identify products high in the specified nutrients.

The FSSAI's filing in the Supreme Court, seen by Reuters, outlines a red-colored hexagonal warning label. It will indicate "HIGH FAT," "HIGH SUGAR," "HIGH SALT," and/or "HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE" for products exceeding certain thresholds. The regulator stated this mechanism will "facilitate informed food choices, particularly in relation to children and other vulnerable groups."

This proposal is a major setback for multinational food companies like Coca-Cola, Nestle, and PepsiCo, whose industry groups have long opposed such labels in India's $100 billion market, claiming they are confusing. However, health activists and the Supreme Court have persistently called for clearer labeling, citing growing concerns about obesity and related health issues.

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The mechanism will "facilitate informed food choices, particularly in relation to children and other vulnerable groups of the population."

The Supreme Court had urged the government to act swiftly on warning labels earlier this month. The government had reportedly dropped a similar proposal this year after private opposition from companies. Consumers and health experts in India have expressed anger on social media over the delay, noting that companies like Coca-Cola and Nestle have voluntarily implemented similar labels in European markets for years.

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We are considering the government proposal and our experts are going to review it.