In a significant move toward improving public health awareness, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed the introduction of a star rating system for nutrition content in packaged food products. This system, aimed at simplifying food labels and promoting healthier dietary choices, has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court of India, which has directed an Expert Committee to submit a detailed report on the proposed changes.
What is the FSSAI’s Proposed Star Rating System?
The proposed system, called the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), is a Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) initiative designed to help consumers make informed food choices at a glance. The INR will display a star rating from 0.5 to 5 stars on the front of food packages, reflecting the overall nutritional value of the product.
- A higher star rating indicates a healthier product.
- The rating is based on both positive nutrients (like fiber, protein, legumes, and nuts) and critical nutrients (such as added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium).
- It is meant to simplify complex nutrition data and support consumers in comparing products within the same category.
This approach is in line with international practices followed in countries like Australia and New Zealand, which have implemented similar front-of-pack labelling models.
Supreme Court’s Involvement: The PIL that Sparked the Action
The Supreme Court’s involvement came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by the organization “3S and Our Health Society”. The PIL urged the implementation of interpretive warning labels on packaged foods to flag high contents of sugar, salt, and fats — components directly linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart conditions.
The petitioner emphasized that:
- Many Indian consumers are unaware of the nutritional risks in processed and packaged foods.
- Clear labelling can play a major role in reducing the growing burden of NCDs in India.
- Without interpretive and easily understandable labels, current packaging fails to empower consumers to make health-conscious choices.
Supreme Court’s Order and Deadline
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan heard the matter and disposed of the PIL with clear instructions to the Expert Committee formed by FSSAI. The bench directed:
“We dispose of this Writ Petition with a direction to the Expert Committee to prepare its recommendation and submit a Report in that regard at the earliest… Let this exercise be taken within a period of three months from today.”
This means the Expert Committee has 3 months to finalize and submit its report so that the necessary regulatory amendments can be implemented promptly.
Public Feedback and the Role of the Expert Committee
FSSAI had earlier notified the draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 on 13 September 2022. It was then made available for public feedback. The response was overwhelming — over 14,000 comments were submitted by stakeholders including:
- Food businesses
- Health experts
- Nutritionists
- Consumer rights organizations
- The general public
To review and analyze this extensive feedback, an Expert Committee was constituted on 17 February 2023. This committee has since held multiple meetings and compiled recommendations based on scientific evaluation and public sentiment.
Key Features of the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR)
The INR system stands out for its attempt to balance public health priorities with industry concerns. Its major features include:
1. Star Rating Display
- Positioned on the front-of-pack for visibility.
- Scale ranges from 0.5 to 5 stars.
- Designed to be easy-to-understand and accessible to all literacy levels.
2. Scoring System
- Penalizes the presence of harmful nutrients like added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.
- Rewards positive ingredients such as fiber, protein, legumes, and nuts.
- The final score translates into a star rating.
3. Consumer Empowerment
- Helps users compare products quickly.
- Supports healthier food choices by making nutrition information visually intuitive.
- Aims to curb the rise of lifestyle diseases through informed eating.
4. Industry Implications
- Encourages food manufacturers to reformulate products to achieve better ratings.
- Adds pressure for transparency and accountability in food processing and marketing.
Relevance to India’s Public Health Goals
India is witnessing a rapid increase in lifestyle-related diseases, many of which are directly linked to poor dietary habits. Processed and packaged foods, often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, are a major contributor. The INR system is therefore a strategic step aligned with:
- National Health Policy goals
- WHO recommendations on reducing salt, sugar, and fat consumption
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health and well-being
By introducing a front-of-pack star rating, FSSAI seeks to promote transparency, consumer awareness, and preventive healthcare.
Criticisms and Concerns
While the initiative has received support from health advocates, there are concerns:
- Some argue that star ratings may oversimplify complex nutrition data.
- Food industry stakeholders worry about the cost of compliance and potential backlash if products receive low ratings.
- Others have suggested that warning labels (e.g., red symbols for high sugar/fat) would be more effective than a general rating.
However, FSSAI maintains that the INR system offers a balanced approach, ensuring that consumers are informed without creating undue panic or confusion.
Conclusion
The proposed Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) by FSSAI marks a transformative moment for India’s food regulation landscape. With the Supreme Court backing the initiative and seeking an Expert Committee report within three months, the country may soon witness a revolution in food labelling standards.
As consumers become more health-conscious, and as India battles the twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes, initiatives like INR could play a crucial role in public health policy.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Expert Committee submits its findings and FSSAI works toward amending food labelling laws for a healthier, more transparent India.
