New Delhi, Oct 3: Front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods containing high levels of added sugar, salt or fat could help consumers better understand nutritional risks and make more informed purchasing decisions, health experts said.
The experts, however, stressed that such labelling should be supported by nutrition education to help consumers understand the health implications of excessive intake of these nutrients.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a red hexagonal warning label on the front of packaged food products that exceed specified limits for even one nutrient of concern. The proposed thresholds are based on the ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024.
Dr Naval K Vikram, Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS-Delhi, said front-of-pack warnings could help consumers identify products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt or fat while making purchasing decisions.
He said obesity and metabolic diseases are influenced by several factors, but dietary patterns and frequent consumption of highly processed foods are among the important contributors.
Vikram pointed out that most consumers do not have the time or expertise to examine detailed nutritional tables while shopping. A prominent warning on the front of the package, he said, could make key information easier to understand and help consumers compare products.
He also stressed that labelling should be accompanied by broader nutrition education so that consumers understand why excessive consumption of sugar, salt and fat can be a concern.
Aman Puri, Founder of Steadfast Nutrition, described the proposed red hexagonal warnings as a public-health measure that could improve awareness about the nutritional content of processed foods.
He said important nutritional information is currently provided in tables on the back of packages, meaning consumers may not immediately notice the quantities of nutrients such as added sugar, fat and salt.
Functional medicine practitioner Mugdha Pradhan, Founder and CEO of health and wellness company iThrive, said front-of-pack information could make it easier for consumers to compare products before making a purchase.
She also stressed the need for clear labelling, saying consumers could otherwise be influenced by marketing claims or perceived health benefits associated with terms such as “gluten-free”, even when a product may contain high levels of sugar or unhealthy fats.
Dr Shelly Dutta, Associate Professor of Medicine at RML Hospital, Delhi, said the purpose of front-of-pack labelling should be to provide clear information at the point of purchase rather than create fear among consumers.
She said visibility and clarity were particularly important in India, where levels of nutrition literacy vary widely. Such labels could also encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products and reduce nutrients of concern, she added.
Dutta said front-of-pack labelling should form part of a broader public-health strategy that includes nutrition education, healthier food environments and better access to affordable nutritious foods.
Suresh Garg, Founder and Managing Director of Zeon Lifesciences, said warning labels could improve consumer awareness, but stressed that people also need to understand what the symbols mean.
He said nutrition communication in a diverse country like India should be supported by education, including information in local languages, so that consumers can understand the warnings and interpret nutrient levels in the context of their overall diet.
Garg added that awareness alone may not lead to healthier choices if nutritious alternatives remain inaccessible or unaffordable.
He said front-of-pack labelling should therefore be integrated with nutrition education, better accessibility, responsible product formulation and informed consumer choice.
