The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is preparing to make a big change in the way packaged foods are labelled. Soon, companies will be required to display Front of Pack Warning Labels (FOPL) that clearly show the levels of sugar, salt, and fat in their products. This decision comes after a Supreme Court order earlier this year that called for more transparent warnings. The aim is to help consumers make healthier choices by giving them information they can easily understand.
India faces a serious health crisis linked to poor food habits. It is already known as the diabetes capital of the world. Obesity levels are also rising sharply. In 2021, around 180 million people in India were living with obesity. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 449 million. Against this background, FOPL could become an important step in reducing the risks associated with unhealthy diets. If people are warned clearly about what they are eating, they may choose healthier options.
One good example comes from tobacco regulation. In 2016, large pictorial warnings were introduced on cigarette packets. These images highlighted the dangers of smoking in a way that was hard to ignore. Research shows that this move had an impact. According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, the number of adults who smoked daily fell from 8.6 percent in 2017 to 7.1 percent in 2022. It shows how clear warnings can influence behaviour. The same result can be fetched out of the packaged items.
The success of FOPL, however, will depend on two important factors. First, the labels must be simple and widely understood. If the warnings are confusing or too technical, they will fail to serve their purpose. FSSAI will need to launch public awareness campaigns to explain the meaning of these warnings before the system is introduced. Only then, consumers will know how to use this information when choosing products.
Second, there has to be a broader effort to spread awareness about the risks of eating foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. Labels alone cannot change habits unless people understand why these foods are harmful. Schools can play a central role here. Children consume a large share of packaged foods, and they are also at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits early in life. Educating children about the dangers of junk food can help them make better choices, while also influencing their families. Schools can act as important centres for spreading this message.
FOPL may also push food manufacturers to improve their products. Once consumers are aware of the health risks, they may reject products with high sugar, salt, or fat content. To stay competitive, companies may reformulate their products to make them healthier. It would benefit the wider population by making better options available in the market.
In the long run, such measures can help India tackle its growing health problems. With lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity on the rise, the country needs strong action to encourage healthier eating. Warning labels on packaged foods may seem like a small step, but they can lead to meaningful changes in behaviour and help build a healthier future.
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