NEW DELHI: Backing the adoption of a standardised Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) for all pre-packaged foods, a parliamentary committee has recommended QR-based multilingual food labelling to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and consumer protection across India’s diverse population. Noting that “current labels are often difficult for the average consumer to interpret and may not sufficiently guide healthier purchasing decisions,” the committee, headed by Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, said it recognises the need for an effective FOPL system to address the growing incidence of diet-related non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. The committee, reviewing the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, noted that warning labels significantly enhance consumers’ ability to make quick and informed choices, particularly for those with low literacy levels. The panel also recommended regular market audits, enhanced penalties for repeated violations, and broader public education to ensure consumers clearly understand product categories. The recommendation for FOPNL has come at a time when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has submitted its recommendation on its 2022 draft implementation to the Supreme Court, which is hearing a public interest litigation. While the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which tabled the report this week, also acknowledged the potential benefits of interpretive systems such as nutri-score or health star ratings in the long run, it, however, said that “it is mindful of stakeholder submissions, including those from the food industry, regarding the time and operational adjustments required for such a transition.”
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