In a major survey by the FSSAI and health ministry, it has been reported that a majority of Indian consumers are in favour of front-of-pack red labels to identify ultra-processed foods, as well as clearly visible red labels on packs on e-commerce sites and apps next to the listings.
So far, the national regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) draft proposal on star rating systems to identify high-fat, sugar, and salt foods (HFSS) has been resisted by health groups, which say the star ratings will not be effective in curbing consumption of unhealthy foods.
FSSAI again has invited comments from health experts and consumer organisations to address concerns about labelling of packaged foods. Instead of the FSSAI’s proposed star rating system, 77 percent of consumers surveyed want ultra-processed foods to be identified with a front-of-pack red label, according to the report.
According to the report, when customers buy on e-commerce platforms, they do not have full visibility of the product packaging and, in most cases, only have access to a thumbnail-sized image.
If these recommendations are implemented, they will go a long way toward increasing awareness about ultra-processed foods and leading consumers to switch to healthier alternatives.
Respondents suggested that the red label or a rectangular bar next to the listing could be a way to identify such foods on e-commerce platforms. The report said seven out of ten respondents believed that front-of-pack labelling with colour codes was a more effective way than a star rating system to curb consumption of unhealthy foods.