Nestle seeks industry consultation on India’s front-of-pack food labelling rules

INDIA – Nestle has urged India’s food regulator to consult with industry stakeholders when drafting rules for front-of-pack health labelling, as the company seeks to ensure that new packaging warning requirements are practical and avoid unintended consequences for consumers and businesses.

The Swiss food giant’s call comes as India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is developing regulations that would require packaged foods to display front-of-pack nutritional warnings, following a 2024 draft notification that proposed a star-rating system.

Nestle argues that without proper consultation, the rules could lead to increased food costs for consumers without delivering meaningful health benefits.

Industry Concerns and Regulatory Context

FSSAI has been working on a comprehensive front-of-pack labelling framework since 2022, with the regulator considering various models including the Health Star Rating system, warning labels, and the Nutri-Score colour-coded system. 

The World Health Organization has recommended warning labels as the most effective front-of-pack labelling approach for promoting healthier diets, as they are easier to understand for consumers with lower literacy levels. 

Nestle, which has previously opposed mandatory warning labels, argues that front-of-pack labelling requirements should be developed through a collaborative process that considers the practical implications for manufacturers and the potential impact on food prices. 

The company’s position aligns with industry groups that have raised concerns about the cost of implementing new packaging requirements and the potential for consumer confusion.

Global Context and India’s Food Safety Initiatives

The debate over front-of-pack labelling is part of a broader global trend, with countries including Mexico, Chile and Brazil having implemented mandatory warning labels on packaged foods. 

India’s FSSAI has also been working to strengthen food safety regulations, including bans on misleading claims and requirements for clear labelling of allergens and nutritional information. 

The FSSAI has also banned the use of metallic pins and wires in food packaging, citing risks to consumer health, and has prohibited the use of plastic- and other synthetic-material-based packaging for pan masala products. 

The front-of-pack labelling proposal is expected to be finalised following consultations with stakeholders, though the timeline for implementation remains unclear. 

Consumer advocacy groups have called for strong front-of-pack labelling to help address India’s rising rates of non-communicable diseases linked to poor diets.

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