Food packets are set to display clearer details regarding sugar, salt, and fat content, aiming to provide consumers with more transparent nutritional information. This initiative seeks to empower individuals to make informed choices about their diet by highlighting the quantities of these critical nutrients in packaged foods. By improving visibility on sugar, salt, and fat content, consumers can better manage their intake and make healthier decisions, contributing to improved public health outcomes and awareness about nutritional choices.
In a recent development, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved a proposal to enhance the clarity of nutritional information on packaged food items. Here are the key details:
Proposed Changes:
- Clear and Bold Display:
- Packaged food items will prominently display the amounts of total sugar, salt, and saturated fat in bold letters and increased font size on their packaging.
- This initiative aims to make it easier for consumers to identify and understand the nutritional content of the products they purchase.
2. Per Serve Percentage:
- Information regarding the percentage contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for total sugar, total saturated fat, and sodium content will also be highlighted in bold.
- This additional detail will provide consumers with a clearer understanding of how much these nutrients contribute to their daily dietary needs.
3. Objective:
- The primary goal of these amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 is to empower consumers to make informed and healthier choices.
- By increasing transparency, the proposal seeks to help consumers reduce their intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fats, which are linked to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
4. Public Engagement:
- FSSAI plans to release a draft notification of the amendment for public feedback.
- This step ensures that stakeholders, including consumers and industry experts, can provide input and suggestions before the changes are finalized.
Impact and Implications:
- Health Awareness: Clearer nutritional labeling supports public health efforts by raising awareness about the health risks associated with excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
- Consumer Empowerment: Enhanced transparency enables consumers to make more informed decisions about their food choices, aligning with global best practices in nutritional labeling.
- Regulatory Compliance: The amendments also reinforce regulatory measures aimed at preventing misleading claims on food packaging, ensuring accuracy and reliability of nutritional information.
Overall, these changes mark a significant step towards promoting healthier eating habits and improving public health outcomes in India.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
