India proposes front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods after public outcry
XLP•Regulator proposes warning labels for packaged foods
NEW DELHI, Aug 28 (Reuters) - India's food regulator has proposed front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products, a court filing showed, reversing its position following growing public anger about a lack of information on labels.
The regulator has proposed a red-coloured hexagonal shape for food products which are high in any two or more nutrients - fat, sugar or salt - it said in a Supreme Court filing, seen by Reuters.
Reuters is first to report the court filing, which has not been made public.
Move follows pressure from health activists and public criticism
"The proposed approach is intended to address the need for an effective and consumer-friendly ... labelling mechanism and to facilitate informed food choices, particularly in relation to children and other vulnerable groups of the population," the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said in the filing.
The submission was made in the Supreme Court as it was hearing challenges from health activists calling for long-delayed warning labels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has for years tried to implement some form of warning labels on packaging, but dropped a proposal after companies including Coca-Cola KO.N and industry groups representing the likes of Nestle in March opposed the measures, Reuters reported earlier this week.
Since the story was published, consumers and health experts in India have expressed their anger on social media. Companies like Coca-Cola and Nestle have voluntarily put similar labels on their products in many European markets for years.
