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Overview
Overview
In September 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued draft regulations FSS (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulations, 2022. The FSSAI has proposed Star Ratings based on nutritional values termed as ‘Indian Nutrition Rating’ (INR) which rates the overall nutritional profile for packaged food by assigning ½ star (least healthy) to 5 stars (healthiest). According to the regulation, more stars indicate that the food product is better
The Supreme Court’s directive on 9 April 2025 has accelerated this process, requiring finalised FOPL standards by July 2025 to improve consumer awareness and address the health crisis linked to ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Areas of concern
FOPL Design – start ratings will only take the positive nutrients in consideration and mislead consumers
Nutrient threshold – WHO SEARO thresholds are not followed
Voluntary use of Lables – 4 years will find few takers both in large and medium scale manufacturers
Key actors
Key actors
Government bodies FSSAI, NITI Aayog, MoHFW
Consumer Protection Authority – CCPA India
Advertising Standards Council of India
Research institutions –Indian Council of Medical Research, AIIMS, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), National Institute of Nutrition
Public and Private hospitals and doctors
Nutritionists
Youth and women
Consumers and consumer-led organisations
Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission
Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission
India’s story aligns with WHO SEARO threshold of critical nutrients of fats, salt and sugar. Front of Pack Labeling system has long been listed as one of the global best practices to nudge consumers into healthy food choices. As India is experiencing a dietary shift, with people increasingly consuming more processed and ultra-processed foods and a burgeoning market, these factors prompt the need for FOPL for India.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission recommended mandatory nutrition guidelines even when health claims are not made on a product in 2012. After years of deliberations, FSSAI came up with the draft regulation in 2022.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Industry resistance – The food industry has been using delaying tactics in the process. The large scale food manufacturing industry was not in favor of using interpretive lable or even the mandatory use of the FOPL on packaged foods as it would hamper their profits and will be complelled to opt for reformulation.
Even the regulatory body should use a more democratic dialogue to determine the right norms for the country.. There should be enough representation from the consumer organisations vis-à-vis industry associations.
Next steps
Next steps
Deliberations with government regulators and raising concerns of a wrong FOPL implementation which will not do much good in reducing NCD risks and NCD related deaths in India
Raise consumer awareness through various mediums on the importance of the right FOPL
Continuous and sustained discussions with policy makers and various stakeholders
For more information contact: Ashim Sanyal at coo@consumer-voice.org
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