Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda recently asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to make consumers aware about various aspects of food safety issues to promote healthy eating habits. The announcement was made during a review meeting at the FSSAI headquarters in the national capital on Monday, reports PTI. The announcement comes in the wake of rising concerns over food safety and quality in various parts of the country.
“It is important to empower consumers and citizens on various food safety issues through evidence-based information. Only then will our work be accomplished in totality,” he said during the meeting. He added that the food, beverage and hospitality industry also needs to bring about behavioural change to develop healthy eating habits across the country.
Also read: Food Authority asks restaurants to follow rules for displaying food information
Mr Nadda also said that different regions of India have different dietary habits and preferences. Hence, it is important for the food authority to understand them individually and formulate policies accordingly, to promote sustainable dietary, agricultural and industrial practices.
Meanwhile, taking a step forward towards healthy eating practices, FSSAI has approved changes in nutritional information labelling on packaged foods. As per the food authority’s new rules, it is mandatory to display the total sugar, salt and saturated fat content in bold letters and bigger size font on food packets.
Also read: Food safety violations revealed in restaurants in Tolichowki, Gachibowli areas of Hyderabad
An official statement from FSSAI said, “The amendment is aimed at enabling consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the product they are consuming and make healthier decisions.”
Appreciating the board’s decision, food manufacturer Rewant Himatsingka, who goes by the name ‘Food Farmer’, said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that this change in regulation will “make it easier for Indian consumers to identify junk food and not fall for marketing gimmicks.” He also said that such small steps can have a “long-term positive impact” on India.
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Amazing news! FSSAI has passed a wonderful rule that requires companies to mention the sugar, salt and fat content in capital letters and in bold font.
This change will make it easier for Indian consumers to identify junk food and not fall for marketing gimmicks. For example, it will become… pic.twitter.com/AAz6xKsD60
— Revant Himatsingka “Food Farmer” (@foodpharmer2) July 10, 2024
