High Sugar? High Fat? FSSAI Proposes ‘Red Hexagon’ Warning Labels On Front Of Packaged Foods

FSSAI proposes bold red hexagon warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat. The move aims to help consumers identify unhealthy products quickly.

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a major change in packaged food labelling rules, introducing prominent red hexagonal warning labels on products containing excessive levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat.

The proposal was submitted to the Supreme Court as part of a compliance affidavit following concerns over delays in implementing front-of-pack nutrition warnings.

What Will the New Warning Labels Show?

Under the proposed framework, packaged food items crossing nutrient limits set by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) will have clear warnings displayed on the front of the packet.

The labels will highlight:

• HIGH FAT
• HIGH SUGAR
• HIGH SALT

Products exceeding limits for multiple nutrients will carry combined warnings such as “HIGH FAT HIGH SUGAR” or “HIGH FAT HIGH SALT.”

Sweetened beverages will also carry a separate warning label stating “HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE.”

Why FSSAI Is Introducing Front-Pack Labels

The regulator said the purpose of the move is to make nutritional information easier for consumers to understand while shopping.

Unlike detailed nutrition tables printed at the back of packages, the red warning symbols will provide an immediate visual alert, helping people make healthier choices.

The Supreme Court had earlier raised concerns over delays in introducing such warning systems and stressed the need for simple labels that ordinary consumers, including children, can easily understand.

Two-Phase Implementation Plan

FSSAI has proposed a phased rollout of the warning system.

In the first phase, red labels will be mandatory for products exceeding limits in two or more nutrients and for highly sweetened beverages.

The second phase will expand the requirement to products crossing the limit for even a single nutrient.

Which Products May Be Exempt?

Certain single-ingredient products that naturally contain higher levels of specific nutrients may not come under the warning system.

Items such as milk, ghee, edible oils, sugar, jaggery and honey are expected to remain exempt from these warnings.

Final Decision After Regulatory Changes

The proposed guidelines will come into effect after necessary amendments are made to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations.

The move could significantly change how packaged food companies design their products and how consumers identify unhealthy food choices.