FSSAI Front-of-Pack Labels: ‘HIGH SUGAR’, ‘HIGH SALT’, ‘HIGH FAT’ Warning Labels for Packaged Food in India

FSSAI Front-of-Pack Labels for Packaged Food in India: Red Hexagon Warning Labels for HIGH SUGAR, HIGH SALT and HIGH FAT After Supreme Court Intervention

India’s packaged food industry could soon see a major change in the way nutritional information is displayed. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed prominent FSSAI Front-of-Pack Labels featuring red hexagonal warning symbols for packaged foods containing high levels of nutrients such as sugar, salt and fat. The proposal has emerged after renewed scrutiny from the Supreme Court over the country’s long-pending front-of-pack nutrition labelling policy.

The proposed Warning labels are intended to make important nutrition information easier for consumers to notice before purchasing a product. Instead of requiring shoppers to study detailed nutritional tables on the back of a package, the front-of-pack system would provide a simple visual warning about products that meet specified thresholds.

What Are The New FSSAI Front-of-Pack Labels?

Under the proposal placed before the Supreme Court, certain Packaged food products would carry a red-coloured hexagonal symbol prominently on the front of the package. The warning could state “HIGH SUGAR,” “HIGH SALT,” “HIGH FAT” and, where applicable, “HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE.” The intention is to provide a quick and easily understandable signal to consumers.

The proposal is particularly significant because front-of-pack nutrition labelling has been discussed in India for several years. FSSAI has previously published draft material concerning Front of Pack Nutritional Labelling (FOPNL) and high-fat, sugar and salt foods.

Why Red Hexagon Warning Labels Matter

The proposed red hexagon design is intended to make nutrition warnings more visible at the point of purchase. Conventional Food labels often contain extensive nutritional information, but consumers may not always have the time or knowledge to interpret every value while shopping.

A prominent warning could simplify that process. A shopper looking at a packet of snacks, breakfast cereal, confectionery or a sweetened beverage could immediately identify whether the product falls within the proposed high-nutrient category.

According to reports, the proposed warning would also be visually prominent, with the font size designed to stand out compared with the nutritional information table on the back of the package.

How Would ‘HIGH SUGAR’, ‘HIGH SALT’ And ‘HIGH FAT’ Labels Work?

The proposed framework is expected to be introduced in phases. In the first phase, products that are high in two or more specified nutrients of concern would receive the red hexagonal warning. The initial framework would cover specified levels of added sugar, added fat and salt, as well as certain highly sweetened beverages.

A second phase could expand the system to products that are high in any one of the specified nutrients. The thresholds are linked to dietary guidance, including the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, issued by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.

This phased approach could allow regulators and manufacturers to adjust to the new labelling requirements while gradually expanding consumer information.

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Supreme Court Pushes For Stronger Nutrition Information

The Supreme Court has played an important role in bringing renewed attention to front-of-pack warning labels. On August 13, 2026, the court questioned the government and FSSAI over delays concerning warnings for foods high in sugar, salt and fat and asked the Centre and regulator to place their position before the court.

The latest FSSAI proposal represents a significant shift after years of debate over how Indian consumers should be informed about potentially unhealthy packaged foods. The issue has also attracted attention from public-health campaigners and the food industry, making front-of-pack labelling one of India’s most closely watched food-policy discussions.

Potential Impact On Packaged Food Companies

If implemented, the proposed system could require manufacturers to redesign the front panels of affected products and ensure that the prescribed warning symbols are clearly displayed. Companies may also need to review product formulations, particularly where sugar, salt or fat levels exceed the applicable thresholds.

For consumers, the biggest change could be greater transparency. Food labels would become easier to interpret, allowing shoppers to compare products more quickly and potentially make more informed purchasing decisions.

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However, the proposal may also lead to further discussion between regulators, manufacturers, nutrition experts and consumer groups about thresholds, exemptions, implementation timelines and the precise categories of products covered.

A Major Step For Public Health In India

The proposed FSSAI Front-of-Pack Labels could mark an important development in India’s approach to nutrition and public health. By placing clear warning labels directly on the front of Packaged food, the regulator aims to ensure that important nutritional information is visible before a purchase is made.

The proposed red hexagons carrying messages such as “HIGH SUGAR,” “HIGH SALT” and “HIGH FAT” could therefore become an important part of India’s food-labelling landscape. While the proposal still needs to move through the regulatory process, the latest development signals stronger momentum toward simplified nutrition warnings and greater consumer awareness.

For Indian consumers, the objective is straightforward: make nutritional risks easier to see, understand and consider when choosing packaged foods.

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