Is the Health Food Label Trustworthy? : When you pick up a snack packet or a nutrition bar from a supermarket shelf, how do you decide whether it is healthy? Most consumers rely on marketing claims such as “high protein,” “low fat,” or “multigrain.” But these claims can often be misleading. That is why front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling has become one of the most important food policy debates in India today.
For nearly four years, India’s apex food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has been working on regulations to mandate simplified labels on packaged foods. The goal is clear: help consumers quickly identify whether a product is high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. However, despite broad agreement that better labelling is needed, there is still no consensus on what type of system should be implemented.
At the heart of the debate are two competing approaches: warning labels and a star-rating system, officially referred to as the Indian Nutritional Rating (INR).
Why Front-of-Pack Labels Matter
India is witnessing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Processed and ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats are major contributors to this health burden.
Front-of-pack labels are designed to:
- Provide easy-to-understand nutrition information
- Help consumers make healthier choices quickly
- Reduce confusion caused by complex nutrition tables
- Encourage food companies to reformulate products
Countries such as Chile, Mexico, and Argentina have adopted bold warning labels that clearly indicate when a product is high in sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. Public health experts argue that India must adopt a similarly strong, science-based approach.
The Case for Warning Labels
Civil society groups, health experts, and activists strongly support warning labels. These labels typically use a clear symbol—often a black or red badge—that warns consumers if a product exceeds recommended thresholds for sugar, salt, or fat.
Advocates argue that warning labels:
- Are easy to understand across literacy levels
- Do not require interpretation
- Clearly identify unhealthy products
- Are backed by strong scientific evidence
The idea is similar to India’s red and green dot symbols, which indicate whether a product is vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Consumers instantly understand these symbols without needing to read detailed information.
Public health researchers believe that a simple warning label saying “High in Sugar” is far more effective than a rating that suggests a product may still be somewhat healthy.
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FSSAI’s Push for the Indian Nutritional Rating
On the other hand, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has proposed the Indian Nutritional Rating (INR) system.
Under this model, packaged foods would receive a rating from 1/2 star to 5 stars, depending on:
- Their main ingredients
- The presence of positive nutrients
- Levels of salt, sugar, and fat
This system is similar to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s star rating used for electrical appliances in India. A 5-star refrigerator indicates high energy efficiency. Likewise, a 5-star food product would signal better nutritional quality.
Supporters of this approach argue that:
- It encourages reformulation by manufacturers
- It provides a balanced view instead of “punishing” products
- It allows consumers to compare products within the same category
For example, a cereal with 3 stars might be considered healthier than one with 1 star, even if neither is perfect.
Where the Conflict Lies
The main criticism of the star-rating system is that it may confuse consumers rather than protect them.
Health activists argue that:
- A product high in sugar could still receive 3 or 4 stars
- Consumers may assume higher-star products are fully healthy
- The system may dilute the warning about excessive salt or sugar
For instance, a packaged snack might receive additional points for containing fiber or protein, even if it is still high in sodium. Critics say this could create a “health halo” effect, where consumers perceive a product as healthy despite significant risks.
The debate intensified after the Economic Survey reportedly supported warning labels, suggesting they may be more effective in addressing India’s public health crisis. Yet, stakeholders remain divided, including industry groups, regulators, and civil society organizations.
Industry Concerns
Food manufacturers often prefer star ratings over warning labels. Their concerns include:
- Warning labels could reduce sales significantly
- Products may be stigmatized
- Reformulation costs could increase
Industry stakeholders argue that star ratings provide a more nuanced approach and allow gradual improvement rather than penalizing products outright.
However, public health advocates counter that the primary objective of labelling is consumer safety—not brand protection.
What’s Causing the Delay?
Nearly four years after discussions began, the delay in finalizing regulations reflects the complexity of balancing public health priorities with economic considerations.
Key reasons for the hold-up include:
- Disagreements between public health experts and industry bodies
- Ongoing consultations and stakeholder feedback
- Technical debates over nutrient thresholds
- Concerns about implementation and enforcement
Policymaking in food regulation often requires reconciling competing interests. While consumer protection remains central, regulators must also consider trade implications, small-scale manufacturers, and compliance capacity.
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The Bigger Question: Can Consumers Trust Labels?
The core issue is trust. If consumers cannot rely on labels to accurately signal health risks, the entire purpose of front-of-pack labelling is undermined.
Warning labels are considered more transparent because they directly flag harmful levels of nutrients. Star ratings, while potentially informative, may require interpretation and could unintentionally mislead.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any system depends on:
- Clear scientific criteria
- Strong regulatory oversight
- Consumer awareness campaigns
- Transparent communication
The Road Ahead
India stands at a critical juncture in its food safety journey. With rising lifestyle diseases and increasing consumption of processed foods, front-of-pack labelling is not just a regulatory technicality—it is a public health necessity.
Whether the country adopts warning labels, star ratings, or a hybrid system, the final decision must prioritize:
- Consumer understanding
- Public health impact
- Scientific integrity
The longer the debate continues, the more consumers remain exposed to confusing or inadequate information. For now, the warning labels vs star rating war highlights a fundamental policy question: should food labelling gently guide consumers—or clearly warn them?
The answer could shape India’s food safety landscape for decades to come.
