FSSAI Proposes Red Hexagonal Warning Labels for Unhealthy Packaged Foods

What Happened?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed mandatory red hexagonal front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in saturated fat, added sugar, or salt. The proposal was submitted to the Supreme Court on 29 August 2026 following the Court's earlier directions to regulate unhealthy packaged food.

Key Highlights

• Products high in two or more of the specified nutrients of concern would carry warnings such as 'HIGH FAT', 'HIGH SUGAR', or 'HIGH SALT'.
• Warnings would appear inside a red hexagonal box on the front of the pack.
• Thresholds are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, issued by ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.
• The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the framework on 10 September 2026.
• Public health experts flagged that the 'two or more nutrients' threshold could allow some unhealthy foods to escape warnings.

TNPSC Relevance

FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Article 47 of the Constitution (Directive Principles) directs the State to improve public health.

3 TNPSC MCQs

1. Under which Act was FSSAI established?
   (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (b) Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (c) Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (d) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
   Answer: (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
   Explanation: FSSAI functions under this Act and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. The proposed FSSAI warning label for unhealthy packaged foods is shaped like a:
   (a) Triangle (b) Circle (c) Hexagon (d) Square
   Answer: (c) Hexagon
   Explanation: FSSAI proposed a red hexagonal warning symbol for high fat, sugar, or salt foods.
3. Which Directive Principle of State Policy relates to public health and nutrition?
   (a) Article 45 (b) Article 46 (c) Article 47 (d) Article 48
   Answer: (c) Article 47
   Explanation: Article 47 directs the State to raise nutrition levels and improve public health.