The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed to implement the front-of-the-pack warning labels (FoPL) framework with a single-phase approach, according to sources. Under the proposed framework, once implemented, food companies will be required to display front-of-the pack warning labels if their products breach the prescribed threshold for any one nutrient of concern, which are added sugar, fat and salt.
It has also proposed to give a period of one year to packaged food companies for voluntary implementation for transition to the front-of-the-pack labelling framework post its notification.
In its submissions to the Supreme Court, a copy of which was seen by businessline, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has said that it proposes to adopt “a single-phase approach” for the implementation of “Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling.” It added that a period of four months will be reasonably required for following the regulatory process , which involves issuing and finalising the draft regulations.
“FSSAI is proposing a red Hexagon with white square shaped background FoPL format, drawing similarity, more or less, with the FoPL format adopted by Canada. Furthermore, where only one nutrient of concern is present, the corresponding nutrient shall be indicated in the hexagon. Where two or three nutrients of concern are present, the applicable two or three nutrients shall also be indicated within a single hexagon, thereby providing clear and specific information to consumers,” it has stated in its filings submitted to the Supreme Court, which is hearing the matter.
The FSSAI is also mandatorily required to publish the draft regulations for consultation process with stakeholders.
The food safety regulator has submitted that there will be “voluntary implementation period of 365 days by Food Business Operators (FBOs).” It said that a minimum transition period of 365 days from the date of the notification of the amendments in labelling regulations is provided to ensure food companies do not face commercial hardships. Food companies typically keep packaging materials printed in advance and in bulk and hence any labelling changes are done after giving a period of transition to packaged food companies.
The regulator has also proposed that food products including beverages that contain “non-caloric sweetener” to have a warning statement on the front of the pack stating, “Contains Non Caloric Sweetener”, as per its submission to the SC.
In its earlier submission, the food safety regulator had proposed to adopt a two-phased approach for implementation of the front-of-the-pack warning labels.
Published on September 23, 2026
