Food producers in India ask to reconsider warning color — Asharq Al-Awsat

The All India Food Processors' Association has asked the Supreme Court of India to reconsider the red color of the proposed warning labels on packaging. Industry representatives believe this could confuse consumers who associate red with mandatory labeling of products containing non-vegetarian ingredients, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.

Regulator's proposal

India's food regulator has proposed introducing a system of red hexagonal labels on the front of packaging. They are intended to warn about high levels of salt, sugar, or fat in packaged goods.

It is proposed to apply a red warning if the share of added sugar in a solid product exceeds 3% of its weight and the fat content exceeds 4.2%. According to the source, these thresholds are stricter than in many foreign markets.

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Manufacturers' position

The All India Food Processors' Association, which represents dozens of Indian and international companies, stated in a court filing dated September 24 that the color and symbol of the warnings require careful consideration in the Indian context.

The association said it does not object to front-of-pack labeling, but believes the thresholds should be determined on a scientific basis. Manufacturers also opposed assessing nutritional indicators per 100 grams of product and proposed taking one serving into account. They noted that different Indian foods are consumed in different quantities: about 10 grams of pickles, 15–20 grams of seasonings or pastes, and 30 grams of bread.

The Supreme Court of India was due to consider the government's proposal on Monday. The warning-label initiative coincides with authorities' intention to ban the sale of unhealthy food to children in schools and within 50 meters of them.