Warning Labels on the Horizon as India Tackles Diabetes-Fueled Food Industry
India's growing packaged food market has faced a setback due to proposed health warning labels on products exceeding government-set limits for added sugar, salt, or saturated fat. The decision follows criticism from Supreme Court judges about the initial plan for a phased introduction of the labels.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is considering introducing red warning labels on food products that exceed these limits. This move comes as India struggles with high rates of diabetes, which health experts have linked to processed food consumption. The country accounts for about a quarter of all global cases of diabetes, with over 101 million people living with the condition and another 136 million having prediabetes.
Big brands such as Nestlé-owned Maggi instant noodles and Coca-Cola Co's Thums Up have profited from India's affordable food market. However, these companies sell more nutritious versions of their products in other countries, raising questions about their marketing practices in India.