Nutritional information must be highlighted with bigger fonts and bold letters, says FSSAI
The Hindu
FSSAI approves bold nutritional labelling on packaged food items to empower consumers and combat NCDs, seeking public feedback.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) approved changes in nutritional information labelling on packaged food items, proposing that total salt, sugar and saturated fat should be displayed in bold letters as well as bigger font size.
The FSSAI will issue a draft notification on this and seek comments from stakeholders.
In an official statement, FSSAI said it has approved "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".
The decision to approve the amendment in the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 regarding nutritional information labelling was taken in the 44th meeting of the Food Authority, held under the chairmanship of Apurva Chandra, Chairperson, FSSAI.
"The amendment aims to empower consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the product they are consuming and make healthier decisions," the regulator said.
The draft notification for the said amendment would now be put in the public domain for inviting suggestions and objections.
The information regarding per serve percentage (%) contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) would be given in bold letters for total sugar, total saturated fat and sodium content, the FSSAI said.