In a significant move aimed at promoting public health and empowering consumers, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved a key amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. This amendment mandates that nutritional information related to Total Sugar, Salt, and Saturated Fat be displayed in bold letters and larger font size on the front-of-pack labels of packaged food products.

The proposal was approved during the 44th meeting of the Food Authority, chaired by Shri Apurva Chandra, Chairperson of FSSAI. The decision seeks to enhance transparency in food labelling, enabling consumers to better understand the nutritional value of products and make informed dietary choices.

The draft notification of this amendment will soon be released for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to provide suggestions and raise objections.

As per the amendment, the per serve percentage contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for total sugar, saturated fat, and sodium will also be printed in bold, making it easier for consumers to assess their daily intake.

This initiative is expected to play a vital role in combating the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It aligns with global best practices and reinforces India’s commitment to fostering healthier food environments.

Additionally, FSSAI continues to crack down on misleading food labels and claims. Recent advisories have been issued to e-commerce platforms to remove undefined terms like “Health Drink” and restrict deceptive claims such as “100% fruit juice” on reconstituted products. Other directives include proper labelling of wheat flour types, accurate advertising of ORS products, and regulation of nutrient function claims for multi-source edible vegetable oils.

The meeting witnessed participation from senior officials of various ministries including Health and Family Welfare, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Law and Justice, MSMEs, and representatives from states, industry associations, consumer organizations, research institutions, and farmer bodies.

This landmark step reinforces FSSAI’s mission to safeguard consumer interests, improve food safety, and contribute to a healthier India.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031260