The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced major changes to the nutritional labeling of packaged food items, as reported by PTI. The new regulations mandate that the total amounts of salt, sugar, and saturated fat be displayed in bold letters and a larger font size, enhancing the readability and comprehension of the nutritional content for consumers.
In an official statement, FSSAI announced the approval of “a proposal to display nutritional information regarding total sugar, salt, and saturated fat in bold letters and relatively increased font size on labels of packaged food items.” This update is part of an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, aiming to improve the clarity and visibility of essential nutritional information on food packaging.
The primary objective of this amendment is to empower consumers to make healthier dietary choices by providing them with clear and prominent nutritional information. By enhancing the visibility of these key nutritional details, FSSAI hopes to help consumers better understand the nutritional value of the products they consume, potentially leading to healthier eating habits.
The amendment was approved during the 44th meeting of the Food Authority, chaired by Apurva Chandra, Chairperson, FSSAI. The draft notification for the amendment will be made public to invite suggestions and objections from stakeholders and the general public, ensuring a comprehensive review process.
Alongside displaying the amounts of salt, sugar, and saturated fat in bold letters, the new regulations will also require that information regarding the per serve percentage (%) contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) be highlighted. This includes total sugar, total saturated fat, and sodium content, aligning with Regulation 2 (v) and 5(3) of the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulation, 2020. These regulations specify the requirements for indicating serving size and nutritional information on food product labels.
For consumers, these changes mean easier access to crucial nutritional information, enabling them to make more informed choices about the foods they eat. For manufacturers, the new regulations will necessitate changes to packaging design and labeling processes to comply with the updated standards.
Overall, the FSSAI’s initiative represents a significant step towards promoting public health and nutrition awareness in India. By making nutritional information more accessible and understandable, the FSSAI aims to foster a healthier population and encourage better dietary practices.
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