From breakfast cereals to energy bars, more and more packaged foods in India now come with health star ratings. For many of us, these stars must mean healthier food. But experts warn this could be misleading and even dangerous, if it hides high levels of sugar, salt, and fat that are harming public health.
Now, even the Supreme Court has stepped in, directing the Centre to implement clear front-of-pack food labelling rules within three months. The directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Pune-based non-profits 3S and Our Health, who argued that India urgently needs clearer food labels, especially for products high in salt, sugar, and fat.
The PIL pointed out that misleading labels and a lack of consumer awareness are contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease in the country.
In its reply, the government told the court that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has received over 14,000 public comments on its draft labelling rules and is currently revising them.
What are the current labelling rules?
In September 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed draft rules for Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL). One key feature was the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a star system that ranks packaged food from 0.5 to 5 stars based on its overall nutritional value.
While this system is meant to help consumers make quick decisions, public health experts argue it may do more harm than good.
Experts raise red flags
George Cheriyan, president of the Consumer Protection Association, warns that companies can manipulate the system by adding a small amount of protein or vitamins to get a better star rating, even if the food is high in sugar, salt, or fat.
“For example, a chocolate bar with some added nuts could still get a good rating, even if it’s loaded with sugar,” he says. “The label hides the real risk.”
Cheriyan supports a system like Chile’s, where warning labels are bold and clear. Unhealthy foods carry large black octagons that clearly indicate high sugar, salt, or fat content. He also suggests using symbols or emojis, like the familiar green and red dots used for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, to make labels easier to understand across India’s diverse and low-literacy population.
Star ratings don’t help people choose wisely
Dr Arun Gupta, convenor of the think tank National Advocacy in Public Interest, says most shoppers spend just 6 to 8 seconds picking up a product. “A star rating doesn’t tell you what’s actually inside. It doesn’t help someone with diabetes or high blood pressure make the right decision,” he explains.
He believes India needs a system that gives consumers direct, easy-to-understand information, not a rating that looks healthy but hides risks.
Ultra-processed foods are fueling a health crisis
Ashim Sanyal, COO of consumer advocacy group VOICE, says ultra-processed foods are a rising health threat in India. “These foods are high in added sugars, fats, and artificial ingredients—and they’re becoming addictive,” he warns.
Sanyal adds that front-of-pack warning labels are among the most effective ways to help people reduce their intake of such products. “There’s enough evidence that clear labels work. We just need the political will to implement them.”
Industry influence slowing progress?
Cheriyan, who was part of earlier consultations with FSSAI, flagged that many meetings were dominated by industry voices. At a key 2021 discussion, there were 25 industry representatives from bodies like CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM, and only five from consumer, farmer, and civil society groups combined.
“When companies have a stronger voice than the public, policies will favour profit over health,” he says. “That needs to change.”
What about local and unbranded foods?
Most labelling rules currently apply only to packaged and branded foods. But a large part of India’s food market includes unbranded snacks, sweets, and drinks sold in rural shops, highways, and local markets. Many of these products also contain excessive sugar, salt, and trans fats.
“There is little monitoring in these informal markets,” Cheriyan says. “FSSAI must create a strong on-ground system to ensure that all food sold to the public meets safety standards, not just what’s found in supermarkets.”
With thousands of public comments already submitted on FSSAI’s draft rules, pressure is increasing to bring in a labelling system that puts public health first. Experts say the key lies in clear, visible warning signs, not vague star ratings that could mislead.
If India adopts the right approach, food labels could become one of the most powerful tools in fighting obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle diseases.
