FSSAI proposes front-of-pack red pictorial warnings for foods high in fat, sugar, salt
The FSSAI has proposed mandatory front-of-pack red hexagonal warning labels for food products high in fat, sugar, or salt. This initiative aims to help consumers identify unhealthy food options, with implementation planned in two phases.
Why it matters
This regulatory move represents a significant shift in public health policy in India, aiming to combat lifestyle diseases through improved consumer transparency and industry reformulation.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Friday (August 28, 2026) submitted in the Supreme Court a proposal to provide information relating to added sugar, fat and salt in pictorial form on the front-of-pack (FOP) of food products, in line with international regulations.
“The proposal is intended to provide a simple, prominent and easily comprehensible warning to consumers regarding food products which are high in specified nutrients of concern,” an FSSAI affidavit filed in the Supreme Court said.
The affidavit proposes an FOP warning label in red hexagonal shape for food products which are high in any two or more “nutrients of concern” such as added saturated fat, added sugar and salt, based on thresholds specified under the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024.
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