Front of-Pack (FOP) Labelling on Packaged Foods

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and obesity are very big health concerns across the world. An important dietary factor behind them is the consumption of junk foods high in fat, salt or sugar. An easyto-understand labelling on the front of a packaged food is considered an important tool to warn consumers. Many countries now have laws which tell food companies how to display information about the ingredients in their product Ð whether it contains high fat, salt, and/or sugar.

In India, FoP labelling on packaged foods was recommended in 2014 by an expert committee constituted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, the country has not moved ahead on it towards bringing in a law. In 2019, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had brought the spotlight on this concern by highlighting the fact that most of such junk foods would be labelled `red' as per the draft FSSAI law.

CSE also pointed towards the delays and dilutions in bringing forth the legislation, because of opposition from the powerful packaged food industry. The industry's pressure tactics continue till date.

We invite you to a webinar on this subject with some top experts in the field from across the world Ð the online discussions will focus on how warning labels have successfully changed consumer behaviour in many countries; the importance of FoP in the Indian context; and aspects such as which nutrients should be displayed and based on what kind of thresholds.

For any other details, please contact

Sukanya Nair
sukanya.nair@cseindia.org
8816818864