FSSAI proposes red hexagon warning labels on packaged foods

India's food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has proposed front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in fat, sugar or salt. The FSSAI submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Friday proposing a red hexagonal label for products high in any two or more of these nutrients. The label would read 'High Fat', 'High Sugar', 'High Salt' or 'Highly Sweetened Beverage' in a font one point larger than the nutrition information on the back.

The proposal reverses the FSSAI's earlier stance. The Supreme Court had rapped the regulator this month, questioning if it was bowing to corporate pressure. FSSAI had told the court in August that matching international standards was difficult, echoing industry arguments. The move follows public anger after Reuters reported that the government dropped a labelling proposal this year following private opposition from companies including Coca-Cola and Nestle. Industry groups have long argued such labels are confusing.