Food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken an important decision regarding packaged food items. The regulator is preparing to make it mandatory to provide information about salt, sugar and saturated fat on packaged food items in bold and large font. The regulator on Saturday approved changes in the labeling rules in this regard. FSSAI will issue a draft notification in this regard and seek comments from stakeholders.
reason for decision
The regulator said the amendment is aimed at enabling consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the product and make better decisions. Let us inform that the decision to approve the amendment in Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020 regarding nutritional information labeling was taken under the chairmanship of FSSAI Chairman Apoorva Chandra.
What did the Health Ministry say?
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with empowering consumers to make healthy choices, this amendment will also contribute to efforts to combat the spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote public health and well-being. Additionally, prioritizing the development of clear and specific labeling requirements will aid global efforts to combat NCDs.
Strict even on claims regarding juice
Earlier, FSSAI had asked food business operators to immediately remove claims of 100 percent fruit juice from advertisements as well as labels on packaged products. All food business operators (FBOs) have also been directed to phase out pre-printed packaging materials by September 1, 2024.
According to the food regulator, such claims are misleading, especially in situations where the main ingredient of the fruit juice is water and the primary ingredient for which the claim is made is present only in limited concentrations.
