‘Warning labels’ on packaged food is people’s choice: AIIMS study

More than 8 countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Turkey have already adopted mandatory FOPLs

With consumption of packaged foods soaring to unprecedented levels, India is prioritizing the adoption of Front of Pack Labelling (FOPL). In a unique initiative, Government of India’s apex medical institutions, AIIMS, has conducted a study to determine what type of labelling system would be most effective for Indians.

According to the study unveiled at a pan-Indian gathering of top medical experts, when respondents were asked to choose among various FOPL designs such as the multicoloured traffic light system or the star rating system, ‘high-in style’ warning labels emerged the clear winner. 

The ‘KAP study on FOPL in India’ reveals that people are ready to make healthier food choices and find simple ‘warning labels’ as easy to read and understand.

An overwhelming majority are of the opinion that FOPL should be made mandatory and 87% find nutrition labelling helpful. 

Dr Umesh Kapil, President of the Epidemiological Foundation of India said, “Research shows that labels which only highlight nutrients of concern, ie, warning labels, work best to safeguard public health. It is heartening to note that Indians have almost unanimously voted ‘high-in warning labels for salt, sugar, fats’ as the easiest to understand. Front of Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) can result in immediate public health benefits – all the more reason why India, which accounts for 25% of the global burden of heart disease, cannot afford not to get it right the first time.”