Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods: What the green, red, yellow, blue, and black marks mean

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it a rule to show these color codes on every food product. The purpose is to help consumers understand and make safer food choices.

New Delhi: Nowadays, there are many food products available in the market, some of which look appealing but can be harmful to your health. So, it's really important to know what the small colored marks on packaged foods mean.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made it a rule to show these color codes on every food product. The purpose is to help consumers understand and make safer food choices.

Green and red marks

If there is a small green square on a food packet, it means the product is entirely vegetarian.
It does not contain any meat, fish, or animal-based ingredients.

On the other hand, a red mark means the product is non-vegetarian.
It uses meat, fish, eggs, or other non-vegetarian ingredients. Vegetarians should be careful about such products.

Yellow and blue marks

Yellow Mark: This means that eggs have been used in the product.
This is important for people who avoid eggs but are okay with other dairy items.

Blue Mark: This shows that the product is related to medicine or drugs.
It should not be consumed without a doctor's advice.

The black mark: A health warning

If there's a black mark on the package, you should be careful.
It means the product contains a lot of chemicals used for flavoring, coloring, and keeping it fresh.

Experts say that eating these kinds of products regularly can harm your digestion, liver, and kidneys.
It can also increase the risk of obesity, allergies, and serious health issues.

What should consumers do?

• Always check the labels before buying any food item.
• Be careful with snacks given to children, as products with black marks are often found in such items.
• Try to avoid products with black marks or limit how much you eat them.
• Include more natural, unprocessed foods in your diet.
• These colorful symbols on food packaging are not for decoration.

They are an important guide for your health. The next time you buy something from the market, don't forget to read the color code before tasting or choosing based on the brand. Because information is safety, and this small awareness can help you stay healthy and avoid serious diseases.