2024-07-08 12:54:04
New Delhi: In India, the quantity of sugar, salt or saturated fat in packaged food items will now have to be mentioned in big and bold letters. FSSAI, which sets standards for food items, has taken this important decision to provide accurate information about packaged food to consumers. Currently, such information is in small letters on these food items. On many food items, this information is not easily visible. All food items like biscuits, namkeen, packed juice will come under the purview of this decision.
Decision taken in the 44th meeting
This decision to change the law related to the labeling of packed food was taken in the 44th meeting of the Food Authority chaired by Food Regulator FSSAI Chairman and Health Secretary Apoorva Chandra. With this decision, people will easily know how much sugar or salt or fat is there in something. Now suggestions and objections will be sought from stakeholders on this. The government says that this decision will help consumers to choose healthy options. When the consumer has complete information about packed food, he will be able to take the right decision. Amidst the increasing number of patients of blood pressure and diabetes, this decision will be helpful in dealing with many diseases.
Initiative to prevent misleading claims
The information in bold letters in packaged food is being seen as an initiative to prevent misleading claims. Regulator FSSAI has been issuing such advice from time to time. These also include advice given to e-commerce websites to remove the word ‘health drink’. Food Business Operators (FBOs) have also been instructed to remove claims like 100% fruit juice from fruit juice labels and advertisements with immediate effect. If the sweetener added to any juice is more than 15 grams per kg, then it has been decided to label that product as sweetened juice.