A can of Fanta bought in London and the same cold drink can bought in India has started a debate over how the packaged food brand and beverages should disclose their nutritional content.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by editors
According to a report, a London version can contains 63 calories, while in India it has significantly more sugar and uses an artificial colour whose presence attracts more strict warning in Europe. Although, in India the information is being shown at the back of package.
Now the issue has become legal battle over India's food labelling rules. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had now considered prominent, colour-coded warnings to indicate high levels of sugar, salt and fat.
However, lately, the regulator stayed away from this approach and supported a black-and-white nutrition label instead. Health activists have challenged this decision in the Supreme Court. Now the apex court has asked the FSSAI to check stronger front-of-pack warnings, including systems that are being used in Israel.
The proposed warnings has got a strong opposition from major food and beverage companies. According to a 19 March meeting review by Reuters, the industry representatives said that colour-coded warnings can confuse consumers and would not make necessarily change their eating habits.
Coca-Cola India executive Mili Bhattacharya mentioned it "very simplistic" to assume that consumers will significantly change their diets simply seeing a symbol or icon on a package.
Even the consumer advocates have argued that simple front-of-pack information can help shoppers make quicker decisions, particularly when comparing highly processed foods.
Now the Supreme Court's scrutiny means that the debate over India's front-of-pack nutrition labelling system is not over. FSSAI for now will continue to adapt the current labelling ruling, however, if the proceedings continue and eventually India adopts stronger warning then it may change to labelling.