FSSAI Proposes Single-Phase Warning Labels for Packaged Foods

India's food regulator has proposed a revised system for displaying nutrition warnings on packaged foods, moving towards a single-phase implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling. Under the proposal submitted to the Supreme Court, a product could receive a warning if even one nutrient of concern exceeds the prescribed limit. The nutrients covered include added sugar, added fat and salt.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had earlier considered introducing the warning system in two stages, beginning with products exceeding limits for two or more nutrients. The regulator has now proposed combining the requirements into one system. The proposed warning would use a red hexagonal symbol placed prominently on the front of the package and would identify the nutrient or nutrients exceeding the applicable threshold.

The proposed limits are linked to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition. FSSAI has indicated that its approach would focus on added sugar and added fat rather than total sugar and saturated fat for the relevant assessments.

The regulator has estimated that it will need about four months to prepare and finalise the draft regulations. The process will include a period for stakeholder comments before the final rules are considered for approval and notification. Food businesses would then receive a 365-day transition period to implement the new requirements.

The proposal follows questions raised by the Supreme Court regarding the design, scientific basis and implementation timeline of front-of-pack warnings. Issues including nutrient thresholds, the appearance and size of the warning symbol and the treatment of different food categories remain under consideration.

The proposed system has therefore not yet become an enforceable labelling requirement. Further consultation and regulatory steps will determine the final form of the nutrition warning framework.

24-09-2026