Double Standard: Global Food Giants Face Scrutiny Over Differing Labels and Recipes

Global food giants are facing scrutiny in India over their differing approaches to product formulation and labeling across markets. While products sold in other countries may carry prominent health warnings, similar labels face resistance in India. This double standard has been exposed in a recent debate over front-of-pack health warnings.

Nestle and Coca-Cola have opposed India's proposals for color-coded or interpretive nutrition labels, arguing that such systems could confuse consumers or fail to account for local eating habits. However, both companies use similar labeling schemes in other countries, such as the UK.

The issue extends beyond labeling to product formulation. For instance, a can of Fanta sold in London contains 63 calories, while the Indian version has around three times as much sugar. The Indian product also contains an artificial color whose use in Europe requires a prominent health warning, whereas in India its presence is disclosed in small print on the back.