Scrutiny Over Health Claims on Food Labels
In recent weeks, shoppers have seen terms like “natural,” “organic,” and “high protein” on food packaging, often influencing purchasing decisions before looking deeper. However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised concerns about whether these claims are truly backed by the product’s content.
The FSSAI has issued notices to various food brands across different categories, including bread, chocolate, juices, and snacks. They are questioning claims ranging from “100% natural” to those promising health benefits like detoxification and immunity boosts. These notices are currently under review and depend on the brands’ responses for further action.
As the health food market in India grows, there’s more competition among brands to attract health-conscious consumers. Experts note that the front of a package often serves as a marketing tool, while key details like ingredients and nutritional content are typically found on the back.
Pawan Kumar Agarwal, former CEO of FSSAI, mentions that many consumers don’t read or fully understand the mandatory information on labels. This situation often encourages companies to emphasize catchy terms that can stretch the true meaning of what is allowed by regulation. He suggests that penalties for misleading claims should be linked to the company’s revenue from those products, rather than being treated as a minor cost.
Nutrition experts identify a phenomenon known as the “health halo,” where one appealing term can make an entire product appear better for you, leading people to overlook less desirable qualities. For example, a product labeled as “natural” could still contain high levels of sugar or salt.
Dietician Monita Gahlot from AIIMS advises consumers to first check the ingredient list, which shows what is in the product, usually listed by weight. The nutrition panel should also be reviewed for information on sugars, fats, sodium, and other nutrients. Serving size is particularly important, as a small serving suggestion can be misleading.
Food-testing expert Ashwin Bhadri warns that a prominent claim on the front of a package that isn’t clearly explained elsewhere is often a red flag. The best practice for consumers is to always flip the packet for a more informed decision.
Krish Ashok, a food author, highlights that consumers are looking for quick ways to achieve good health through packaged products. Labels claiming to be “high protein” or “heart-healthy” can create the illusion of making healthier choices without the effort of changing dietary habits significantly.
Overall, while stricter regulations may help, lasting change will require both brands to make honest claims and for consumers to be more vigilant in their choices.
