The Supreme Court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to implement Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels (FOPNL) on packaged food products.
FSSAI: The Supreme Court has delivered a significant and historic verdict for the packaged food industry in India. The apex court has ordered the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to mandatorily implement front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels on all packaged food products. The main objective of this step is to provide consumers with clear and accurate information about the nutritional levels of the food products they are purchasing, enabling them to make healthier choices.
What is FSSAI and Front-of-Pack (FOP) Labeling?
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is an autonomous body of the Government of India that determines the quality, safety, and standards of food products sold in the country. Its primary goal is to provide consumers with safe, hygienic, and nutritious food. Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutrition labeling refers to the information that is clearly displayed on the front of any food product's packaging.
The purpose of this is to quickly inform consumers about the amounts of fat, sugar, salt, calories, and other components present in the food product. Many developed countries around the world already provide this kind of color-coded or graphical information. There has been a long-standing demand for this in India, and now the Supreme Court has taken a b step in this direction.
Active Role of MP Milind Deora
Milind Deora, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), who is also the Chairman of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation in Parliament, raised this issue through social media and recommended the implementation of Singapore's 'A-to-D Nutri-Grade' system in India. According to Deora, under this system, food products are graded from A (healthiest) to D (less healthy) based on their nutritional standards. This makes it easier for consumers to understand how beneficial or harmful the food they are eating is for their health.
Health Ministry is Also Serious
The Union Ministry of Health is also taking this matter seriously. Recently, the ministry proposed installing special boards in schools, offices, and public places regarding the consumption of oil and sugar, to raise awareness among people about what they are consuming more of. The aim of this initiative is to reduce obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, and other lifestyle disorders, which are reaching dangerous levels in India day by day.
Milind Deora has clearly stated that health warnings are necessary not only on packaged food from foreign companies but also on Indian traditional snacks like samosas and jalebis. He said that these food items contain excessive oil and sugar, which are becoming the main causes of obesity and diseases in people. Therefore, it has become essential to take this step to permanently promote smart food choices in the country.
Why is FOP Labeling Necessary?
- Diseases like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure are rapidly increasing in India.
- Excessive consumption of fast food and packaged food is the biggest reason for this.
- Consumers often do not know how much sugar, fat, and calories are hidden in the product they are buying.
- FOP labeling will allow customers to immediately know how right or wrong the product is for their health.
