The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a novel approach to addressing the growing concern over unhealthy food consumption: nutritional tables instead of warning labels. This decision has sparked debate and raised questions about the effectiveness of this strategy in promoting public health.
FSSAI's suggestion of a tabular declaration of recommended daily intake for added sugar, saturated fats, and salt is a significant shift from the previously proposed warning labels. The industry's opposition to warning labels, as mentioned in FSSAI's affidavit, seems to have influenced this change. However, this move has been criticized for ignoring the evidence in favor of warning labels, which have proven effective in reducing the consumption of junk food in several countries.
Dr. Arun Gupta, from Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), expressed disappointment, stating that FSSAI's 'compliance' affidavit is more of a defiance. He argues that the proposed numerical table format will force consumers to do math at the supermarket shelf, which is not an ideal solution. The Supreme Court had previously directed FSSAI to frame Front-of-Pack labeling regulations, emphasizing the failure of the current system and giving FSSAI a four-week deadline to revert. Yet, six months later, FSSAI's response abandons warning labels and avoids defining high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods.
The affidavit mentions a stakeholder consultation held on March 19, 2026, involving consumer groups, food industry representatives, and farmer organizations. However, it remains silent on the input provided by consumer organizations, which advocated for warning labels. NAPi had also presented evidence from studies conducted in India and other countries, demonstrating the effectiveness of warning labels in discouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods.
This proposal raises a deeper question about the balance between industry interests and public health. While FSSAI aims to comply with the Supreme Court's order, the decision to abandon warning labels and opt for nutritional tables may not be sufficient to address the complex issue of unhealthy food consumption. The industry's influence on FSSAI's decision-making process is a concern, and it highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to food labeling and regulation.
In my opinion, the FSSAI's proposal of nutritional tables is a step in the right direction but may not be enough. Warning labels have proven to be a powerful tool in educating consumers and reducing unhealthy food choices. A combination of both approaches, along with stricter regulations and industry accountability, could be a more effective strategy to promote public health and combat the obesity and health issues associated with unhealthy food consumption.
