India Moves Toward Sugar Tax and Mandatory Front‑of‑Pack Labels to Tackle Obesity

Health experts led by the ICMR‑National Institute of Nutrition released a policy brief urging a health tax on sugar‑sweetened beverages and high‑fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) foods. The brief proposes an additional 20‑30% tax on sweets and confectionery and a 22‑32% tax on sugary drinks, above the current GST, which could cut demand by 7‑18% and raise government revenue by up to 120%.

A parliamentary standing committee chaired by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi recommended mandatory front‑of‑pack nutrition labels that highlight high‑sugar products, particularly in infant and children’s foods. The committee calls for a classification framework based on WHO and ICMR‑NIN thresholds to enable consumers to recognize sugary items instantly at the point of purchase.