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FSSAI Proposes Red Hexagonal Label for High Fat, Sugar, Salt in Snacks (Two-Phase Plan)

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
29 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Two-phase implementationRed hexagonal labelDietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024ICMR-National Institute of NutritionSingle-ingredient exemptions (ghee, oil, sugar, jaggery, honey)
Bodies:FSSAISupreme Court of IndiaICMR-National Institute of Nutrition
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.FSSAI proposes a red hexagonal warning label for packaged foods high in fat, sugar, or salt.

2.Implementation in two phases: Phase 1 requires label if high in at least two nutrients; Phase 2 extends to high in any one nutrient.

3.Single-ingredient foods (ghee, oil, sugar, etc.) are exempted; experts flag loopholes due to threshold and 'added' nutrient criteria.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

FSSAI has proposed a red hexagonal front-of-pack label for packaged foods high in fat, sugar, or salt, following a Supreme Court direction. The two-phase plan exempts single-ingredient items like ghee and sugar. Experts raise concerns about the threshold and use of 'added' term, questioning the effectiveness of the move.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

RegulatorFSSAI
Label DesignRed Hexagonal
Implementation PhasesTwo
Phase 1 ThresholdHigh in at least 2 nutrients (fat/sugar/salt)
Phase 2 ThresholdHigh in at least 1 nutrient
ExemptionsSingle-ingredient foods (ghee, oil, sugar, jaggery, honey)
Basis for ThresholdsDietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024 (ICMR-NIN)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Regulator: FSSAI
  • ›Label Design: Red Hexagonal
  • ›Target this Data: Two-phase implementation (Phase 1: ≥2 nutrients; Phase 2: ≥1 nutrient)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Compliance affidavit filed before Supreme Court on a plea by 3S and Our Health Society

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which statutory body proposed the red hexagonal warning label for high fat, sugar, and salt in packaged foods?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding FSSAI's proposed warning label:

1. In Phase 1 of implementation, the warning label will be required only if a product is high in at least two of the specified nutrients (fat, sugar, salt).

2. Single-ingredient foods such as ghee, edible oil, sugar, jaggery, and honey are exempted from the labelling requirement.

3. The label will be in Hindi and English and will use font size two points larger than the nutritional information table on the back.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

As per the FSSAI affidavit, what is the threshold for applying the warning label in Phase 1 of implementation?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

Why have nutrition experts expressed concern about the effectiveness of FSSAI's two-phase warning label proposal?

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