A red hexagon on your food pack? FSSAI proposes new warning-label regime

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a single-phase approach for implementing front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPL), with a red hexagon on a white square background to warn consumers when packaged foods are high in salt, sugar or fat.

The proposal was outlined in an affidavit filed by FSSAI in compliance with the Supreme Court's direction seeking clear timelines for implementing front-of-pack warning labels. Under the proposed system, the regulator will identify the nutrient or nutrients of concern on the front of food packs, with the aim of giving consumers clearer information at the point of purchase. FSSAI said it would require approximately four months to issue and finalise the draft regulations, after following the consultation and other regulatory processes prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulations.

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"FSSAI proposes to adopt a single-phase approach for the implementation of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FoPL)," the affidavit said.

FSSAI has proposed a red hexagon with a white square-shaped background for the FoPL format, drawing similarities with the format adopted by Canada, according to the filing.

The proposed warning would apply even when only one nutrient of concern exceeds the prescribed threshold. In such cases, the corresponding nutrient would be indicated inside the hexagon.

Where two or three nutrients cross the prescribed thresholds, the applicable nutrients would be mentioned together within a single hexagon.

"Furthermore, where only one nutrient of concern is present, the corresponding nutrient shall be indicated in the hexagon. Where two or three nutrients of concern are present, the applicable two or three nutrients shall also be indicated within a single hexagon, thereby providing clear and specific information to consumers," FSSAI said.

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The regulator clarified that food products high in any one of the nutrients of concern would be covered, rather than restricting the warning system only to products high in two or more nutrients.

"In the case of a single nutrient, it will be represented inside the hexagon. However, where more than one nutrient of concern exceeds the prescribed threshold, the same shall be indicated in a single hexagon while mentioning two or three nutrients of concern," the filing said.

The proposed framework is expected to undergo public and industry consultation before the regulations are finalised.

FSSAI said approximately four months would be required for issuing and finalising the draft regulations under the regulatory process prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulations.

The affidavit comes as the Supreme Court has sought a clear timeline from the food regulator and the government for implementation of FoPL, which is intended to provide consumers with prominent nutritional information on packaged food products.