THE Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) decision to issue notices to several food companies over allegedly misleading trade names and health claims is a welcome intervention. It recognises an uncomfortable reality: in a crowded marketplace, attractive labels often shape consumer choices more powerfully than nutritional facts. However, regulatory vigilance cannot end with occasional notices that generate headlines before fading from public memory. Consumer protection must evolve into a sustained national mission centred on transparency, accountability and awareness.
For millions of Indians, food labelling is a matter of health. People living with coeliac disease, for instance, depend on accurate disclosure of ingredients to avoid gluten exposure, which can trigger serious intestinal damage and long-term complications. Vague descriptions, incomplete ingredient lists or loosely used terms such as “healthy”, “natural” and “zero” can mislead consumers and undermine informed decision-making. Those with allergies, diabetes and other dietary restrictions face similar challenges.
India’s growing market for packaged foods demands a stronger regulatory framework. Front-of-pack information should be easy to understand, while manufacturers must be held accountable for claims that imply health benefits without adequate substantiation. Periodic audits, random testing and meaningful penalties for repeat violations are essential. Consumer education campaigns should become a permanent feature of public health policy. Schools, healthcare institutions and the media must help people understand how to interpret nutrition labels, identify misleading claims and make healthier choices. An informed consumer is often the best line of defence against deceptive marketing. Food businesses, too, have a responsibility that extends beyond legal compliance. The goal should be to foster a culture in which honesty in food labelling becomes non-negotiable. Consumer safety cannot be treated as a periodic exercise in enforcement.
