FSSAI published a major update on the Front Pack of Labelling (FOPL) on 22nd February 2022 after a meeting with the stakeholders, to decide the remaining issues related to ‘Front of Pack Labelling’ under the Chairmanship of CEO, FSSAI. The FSSAI commenced the meeting with a presentation on the development journey of FOPL in India and the decisions taken in the last meetings.

Below are the highlights of the update:

• Health Star Rating (HSR) has come out as the recommended FOPL format for Indian consumers based on the IIM-A’s survey report.
• The objective of introducing a FOPL is a careful combination of both, ease of identification and understanding on the one hand and change of purchase intention on the other, then the HSR is recommended as the preferred FOPL.
• HSR will be incorporated in the draft regulations, and the stakeholders can provide their comments on the same as per the due procedure.
• The panel has recommended thresholds for two categories as of now, food and beverages. This will be shared with stakeholders for comments, and the panel may also consider the creation of additional categories for dairy or any other products besides ‘Food’ and ‘Beverages.’ The panel would also consider submissions made regarding the proposed thresholds.
• Per serve percentage contribution of nutrients as a percentage of RDA would be available on the back of the pack label from July 2022, as provided in the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
• Time for a transition from Voluntary to Mandatory: The scientific panel recommended voluntary implementation from 2023 and a transition period of 4 years for making the FOPL mandatory.
• Consumer organizations and the representative from the WHO opined that the FOPL should be made mandatory right from the inception, considering the rising status of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. They also suggested that, at the most, three (03) years may be given for such transition.

Label with Current No FOPL Representation

Label with HSR Rating Representation

Image source: www.fssai.gov.in

To understand more about the update and to comply with the compliance requirements, reach out to Freyr – a proven food Regulatory partner in the Indian market. Stay informed. Stay compliant.