Localcircle survey finds strong consumer support for warnings on foods high in sugar, salt or saturated fat, with 88% seeking implementation within six months
More than eight in 10 consumers surveyed want the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to introduce front-of-pack warning labels from the first phase for packaged food and beverages that are high in even one of sugar, salt or saturated fat, according to a LocalCircles survey.
The findings come as the debate over India’s proposed front-of-pack warning system intensifies ahead of the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for September 10.
FSSAI’s Proposed Two-Phase Warning System
FSSAI told the Supreme Court on August 28 that it proposed a red hexagonal warning label for packaged foods and beverages, carrying declarations such as “High Sugar”, “High Salt”, “High Fat” or “Highly Sweetened Beverage”. Under the proposed two-phase system, however, the warning in the first phase would apply only to products high in two or more of added sugar, salt and added saturated fat, along with certain sweetened beverages. Products high in only one nutrient would be covered in a later phase, for which no date has been fixed.
LocalCircles said its survey received more than 108,000 responses from household consumers across 328 districts. Of those responding to the question on the proposed two-phase approach, 80 per cent said FSSAI should require a warning from the beginning if a product is high in even one of sugar, salt or saturated fat. Only 12 per cent supported the proposed two-phase approach, while 6 per cent said warnings should apply only when a product is high in two or more nutrients.
Strong Demand For Larger, More Visible Labels
The survey also found strong demand for a more prominent warning. Some 88 per cent of respondents said the front-of-pack label should be large, clearly visible and immediately noticeable. The finding comes amid criticism of FSSAI’s proposal to print the warning only one point larger than the nutrition information table on the back of the pack.
Consumers also favoured using total rather than only added amounts of sugar, salt and saturated fat to determine whether a warning is required. While 53 per cent said warnings should be based on the total amount, another 37 per cent wanted both added and total amounts displayed prominently. Only 6 per cent supported an added-amount-only approach, meaning 90 per cent of respondents wanted total amounts reflected in the labelling.
88 per cent Want Implementation Within Six Months
There was similarly strong support for rapid implementation. Some 88 per cent of consumers surveyed said food and beverage companies should be required to implement the warning labels within six months of the rules being finalised. Only 6 per cent supported a 12-month period, while smaller proportions favoured longer timelines.
The survey further found that consumers want the warnings to extend to online grocery purchases. Some 89 per cent said the same warning should be prominently displayed on eCommerce and quick-commerce platforms before a product is added to the cart, while a further 2 per cent supported displaying it on the detailed product page.
Supreme Court Hearing On September 10
The issue has been under consideration for several years. According to the report, the first draft on front-of-pack labelling was notified in September 2022, while the Supreme Court has continued to press FSSAI for progress. The court gave the regulator two weeks on August 13 to place its final decision on record, with the matter listed for hearing on September 10.
Consumer Demand For Stronger Warning Rules
The survey findings indicate a clear preference among respondents for a warning system that is broader, more prominent and quicker to implement than the current proposal. LocalCircles said it would escalate the findings to FSSAI, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
