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FSSAI's Indian Nutritional Rating (Star System) vs Warning Labels Debate Delays Mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling Since 2020

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
15 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:20222023202514,000 comments8,212 representations24% drop
Bodies:FSSAIIIM AhmedabadMoHFW
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What This Article Covers

1.FSSAI has been deliberating since 2020 on a mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) system for packaged foods to help consumers identify unhealthy products.

2.A key conflict exists between health activists pushing for warning labels (like in Chile) and FSSAI's proposed Indian Nutritional Rating (INR), a 1-5 star system similar to energy efficiency ratings.

3.Despite consecutive pushes by the Economic Survey (2024, 2025) for warning labels, expert committees have failed to reach consensus, causing significant implementation delays.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, is deadlocked over implementing mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) for packaged foods. The stalemate involves a choice between a 'warning label' system advocated by health experts and the Economic Survey, and an 'Indian Nutritional Rating' star system proposed by FSSAI, delaying a crucial public health measure since 2020.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

RegulatorFood Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Proposed SystemIndian Nutritional Rating (INR) - 1/2 to 5 stars
Countries with Warning LabelsChile, Peru, Israel, Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Canada
First Draft Year2022
Study Institute (2020)Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Regulator: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  • ›Proposed System: Indian Nutritional Rating (INR) - 1/2 to 5 stars
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under MoHFW.
  • ›Target this Data: Over 14,000 comments received on the 2022 draft FOPL notification.
  • ›Target this Report: Economic Survey 2024 & 2025 recommended warning labels.
  • ›Target this Committee: Expert Committee formed in 2023 to finalise FOPL regulations.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) operates under which Union Ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) debate in India:

1. The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad study recommended the implementation of a warning label system.

2. The Food Industry has been advocating for a 'facts-upfront' label showing numerical values of ingredients.

3. The Economic Survey 2024-25 has consistently advocated for the adoption of a health star rating system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, how many representations were received from Food Business Operators on the 2022 draft notification for Front-of-Pack Labelling?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary public health objective behind implementing mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) on packaged foods?

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