A coalition of India’s leading public health and consumer organisations in India has urged the central government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food and beverage products that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat (HFSS).
The policy statement was initiated by Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), a national think tank focused on nutrition, and has been endorsed by 28 other organisations, including the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the Indian Public Health Association (IPHA), Consumer VOICE, and Diabetes India.
Dr. Arun Gupta, Convener of NAPi, warned that without clear and mandatory warning labels, consumers remain unaware of what they are eating. “Without mandatory warning labels, the public remains in the dark. Industry interests must not override children’s right to health,” he was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express. Referring to the Economic Survey, Dr. Gupta noted that voluntary self-regulation has consistently failed worldwide, emphasising the need for enforceable front-of-pack labelling norms.
According to the latest guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), HFSS foods are defined as those exceeding recommended limits for added sugar, salt, or fat. These items are typically energy-dense, low in essential nutrients and fiber, and have been linked to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat radio address, stressed the importance of educating children on their sugar intake and promoting healthier food choices.
“Warning labels on HFSS foods directly support these goals by helping consumers make more informed decisions,” the policy statement said.
The policy statement makes several key recommendations:
Mandating clear front-of-pack warning labels (e.g., “High in Sugar”)
Rejecting the 2022 draft “Star Rating” system, which the groups say is misleading and industry-friendly
Setting labelling thresholds in line with WHO SEARO, ICMR-NIN, or the 2022 Draft Regulation
Banning the marketing of HFSS products to children, including the use of cartoon characters, celebrities, and health claims
Establishing transparent, time-bound regulations with a 12-month compliance period
Safeguarding public health standards in all trade negotiations involving food labelling
