By Manjari Chandra
India’s food and beverage (F&B) industry has undergone a significant change as younger consumers prioritize their health by making conscious dietary decisions. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the connection between food and overall well-being. To support this trend, it is crucial for businesses, policymakers, regulators, public health experts, and industry leaders to educate consumers about scientifically backed information. This is where the labelling of F&B products becomes vital in enabling consumers to make well-informed choices about their nutrition.
Sweetness Without Sugar
In today’s world, where awareness of health and wellness is rising, it is important to educate consumers about beneficial nutrients and those that should be limited, such as fats, salt, and sugar. Excessive sugar consumption has become a concern, and consumers actively seek alternatives that align with their wellness goals. Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) or low and no calorie sweeteners (LNCS) play a unique role in addressing these concerns, particularly regarding obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related ailments.
LNCS products can assist consumers in reducing their sugar intake and managing their calorie consumption. These sweeteners are used in small quantities to provide the desired level of sweetness without adding significant calories. Some common LNCS include acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), aspartame, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia. These are either low in carbohydrates and calories or do not have any carbohydrates and hence have a negligible glycemic index than traditional or nutritive sugars . Consequently, they have a lower impact on blood sugar levels compared to traditional sugars, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to reduce calorie intake. It is important to note that most individuals consuming everyday products containing LNCS do not exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels, which are determined by regulatory agencies to ensure safe consumption levels.
Quest for Health and Wellness
Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing food and beverage labels, paying close attention to nutritional information and ingredient lists. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has incorporated precautionary measures into labelling regulations to address concerns about the nutritional content of foods, including calorie count, sugar, fat, and potential allergens. However, some warnings regarding the presence of LNCS on product labels may create unnecessary confusion. While certain warnings, such as “Not Recommended for Phenylketonurics” for products containing Aspartame, are supported by science for sensitive populations, others may lack scientific evidence. This lack of uniformity in labelling across countries highlights the need for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to guide consumers and reduce confusion surrounding LNCS.
Not surprisingly, these warnings on LNCS are not consistently applied across countries. While some countries advocate caution, others do not include such advisories on beverage or food labels. For instance, regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) , European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Health Canada, Food Standards Australia New Zealand and other major regulatory bodies across the world have approved the use of several LNCS , deeming them safe for general consumption and without any warnings on products.
It is somewhat ironical that a carbonated beverage or a juice-based drink or a candy or a yoghurt containing Aspartame and Ace-K sold in India will carry a warning “Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women”, whereas similar products in other markets like the US, Europe, Australia and other countries can be safely consumed by all population groups without such labels.
A Unified Labelling Framework
Governments worldwide are encouraging consumers to make informed decisions and choose healthier foods and beverages. However, warnings on products containing LNCS have unintentionally instilled fear among consumers, influencing their consumption choices. To address this, a unified labelling framework is needed. Clear and concise labelling, supported by factual information, can dispel fear and build consumer trust in the safety and suitability of products containing LNCS. It is crucial to work towards a global food regulatory framework based on the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – One Earth, One Family, One Future.
Ultimately, LNCS are a valuable tool in providing consumers with a wider range of choices that suit their individual dietary needs, especially for those who need to avoid or control their sugar consumption, such as people with diabetes or prediabetes. Hence, India has an opportunity to lead by example through evidence-based labelling practices and consumer education, empowering individuals to choose food products that promote healthier alternatives.
(The author is a functional nutritionist and practices nutritional medicine. Her work and experience range from being a clinical coach to advocating Holistic Wellness.)