The revised approach marks a tougher regulatory position and could affect a wide range of products in India’s roughly $100 billion food industry. The new proposal follows criticism from health advocates and scrutiny from the Supreme Court over an earlier plan that would have required warnings only when at least two nutrients crossed prescribed thresholds.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is expected to finalise the regulations in about four months, after which food manufacturers will have a 365-day implementation period.
The regulator has also proposed a separate front-of-pack warning for products containing artificial sweeteners. Such products would have to prominently state that they contain non-caloric sweeteners.
The changes come amid a broader food-safety crackdown in India, with authorities increasing inspections and product testing. Major international and domestic food companies could face higher compliance costs and potential changes to packaging and product formulations as the new rules take effect.
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