Food industry leaders opine it is time for science-based warning labels/FOPL
Industry Consultation Round Table Discussion on food safety held
Chandigarh, The ultra-processed food sale in India is witnessing an exponential growth and experts are worried about its impact on the rising prevalence of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India. At Industry Consultation Round Table Discussion held in Chandigarh by Citizens Awareness Group in association with Consumer VOICE, New Delhi, industry leaders, doctors and government officials from the region called for simple, mandatory and interpretive front of pack labels on food and beverages. Simple warnings can help consumers make informed choices and be a first step towards a healthy food system.
As per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 data, NCDs account for 65% of total deaths in India. Dr Poonam Khanna, Associate Professor, PGI said, “High burden of diabetes, obesity, stroke and cardiovascular diseases are linked to the increased consumption of unhealthy packaged foods that are High in Salt, Sugar and Fats that are readily available in the market.”
India has the ill-fated title of the diabetes capital of the world with the figure expected to rise to an alarming mark of 69.9 million by 2025 and 80 million by 2030. With 1 in every 4 persons obese according to NFHS 5, early adoption of right food labels will help consumers make healthy food choices. Warning labels with High In signs are an effective tool in identifying unhealthy foods.
Representatives of popular edible oil, FMCG, confectionery, snacks and sweets realized the need for effective measures in curbing the rising incidence of NCDs in the state. As important stakeholders for a healthy nation, they lent their support to a people-friendly FOPL. They ensure their commitment to serve healthy food to consumers and will take necessary steps as guided by FSSAI and the scientific community in ensuring that products meet global standards.“
Front-of-pack food labeling is considered to be a powerful and simple tool for discouraging excessive consumption of processed foods. Ashim Sanyal, CEO, Consumer VOICE, New Delhi said that “Front-of-Pack warning labeling represents a key component of a comprehensive strategy to promote healthier lives. Every year more than 5.8 million Indians die of NCDs and most of these fatal diseases could be prevented by changing dietary habits and transforming the food industry.”
Recognizing the importance of measures like high taxes on sugary foods and Front of pack labels, Sanyal said that “We welcome the idea of a strong FOPL that will help consumers quickly understand and identify healthy foods. Global evidence points to warning labels having immediate health benefits but also being favorable to the industry. There is affordable technology and market acceptance for the food industry to ensure that food and beverages are healthier as per global standards.”
Speaking at the event, Sukhwinder Singh from the Food Safety Department said, “We will ensure that food companies are abiding by the standards which will improve the health of consumers of the state.”
“Consumption of ultra-processed foods and packaged foods is on the rise in Chandigarh and irrespective of the socio economic background, it is putting the lives of our children and youth at peril. We can improve the situation by letting the consumers make the right choice with a simple warning label on the front of food packets for unhealthy foods.” concludes Surinder Verma, Chairman, Consumer Awareness Group.
