FSSAI backs single phase front-of-pack labelling

Responding to the court’s order of September 10, which raised several questions over the size, colour, placement and deadline for implementing the proposed FoPL on packaged food items, the FSSAI in its response filed on Wednesday proposed the new design of the label that will clearly specify if the food has “HIGH FAT, HIGH SALT or HIGH SUGAR or even more of any two components.”

The authority further stated that once the proposed regulations are approved, the food business operators will be provided a time period of a year (365 days) to shift to the new labelling regime from the time of date of notification to ensure least hardship is caused to them. The affidavit said that the draft guidelines will require a process of consultation and finalisation that is expected to take four months and by July 1 next year, the labelling norms would be notified.

The response was filed in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by “3S and Our Health Society” which had sought introduction of FoPL guidelines as existing in foreign jurisdictions to ensure the children in the country are warned of foods that they may unknowingly consume without being aware of its adverse health effects.