FSSAI proposes red warning labels for high-sugar and high-fat foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed implementing red hexagonal warning labels on the front of packaged food products. These labels would identify items that exceed specific thresholds for added sugar, added fat, or salt.

The proposed thresholds are based on the 2024 ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians. Health experts, including Dr. Naval K. Vikram of AIIMS-Delhi, suggest that these prominent warnings can help consumers identify nutritional risks at the point of purchase, as many people lack the time or expertise to interpret complex nutritional tables on the back of packaging.

While experts welcome the move as a way to combat obesity and metabolic diseases linked to highly processed foods, they emphasize that labeling should be paired with broader nutrition education to ensure consumers understand the health implications of excessive nutrient intake.