The government is planning to ensure the FBOs consider the Front-of pack labelling at the earliest
Currently, the Centre is planning to impose a tax on food products that are high in fats, sugar, and salt to ensure the obesity problem is controlled in the country. As per the current scenario, the non-branded namkeens, vegetable chips, bhujias, and snacks fall under the 5% GST slab while the non-branded and packaged food products fall under the 12% GST slab.
As a measure, the government is planning to ensure the FBOs consider the Front-of pack labelling at the earliest to ensure the consumers get habitual to focus on the ingredients mentioned to make an informed decision. Also, improvising the tax rates of products containing fats, sugar, and salt in high quantity is considered.
Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs, “Obesity is a concern around the globe. People neglect the fats, sugar, and sodium content present in the Food packages unless they’re concerned about what they consume. Introducing FoPL is one genuine alteration that can be done to ensure the consumers are alert about their consumption.”
He added, “In India, there are minimal people who bother about the consumption. Consumer education plays an important role and hence, even before introducing any such taxes, the consumers must have an idea about the same. Also, people should be educated to read the nutritional labels on the packets to ensure they can make the right decisions. The fats, sugar, and other ingredients are mentioned in smaller numbers but can impact in the long run. Also, there are alternatives of products used that can affect obesity. Also, Providing the right information concerning the ingredients allows the FBOs to know the new product that consumers might need.”