FSSAI Promotes Smart Label Reading

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has urged consumers to read food labels carefully before purchasing packaged food products, stressing that attractive packaging and marketing claims do not always reflect a product’s nutritional quality or safety.

In a recent awareness post, the regulator encouraged consumers to follow a simple five-step approach by checking the ingredients list, nutrition information, expiry date, allergen declarations, and the FSSAI licence or registration number before making a purchase. “Packaging catches your eye, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Before you trust what’s inside, take a moment to flip the pack and read what’s printed on the label,” FSSAI said.

Check Ingredients and Nutrition Information

According to Shalini Bliss, Head of Dietetics at PSRI Hospital, the ingredients list is one of the most important sections of a food label because it reveals what a product primarily contains.

Since manufacturers list ingredients in descending order by quantity, consumers should pay attention to the first few ingredients. Experts advise caution if sugar, refined flour (maida), or hydrogenated oils appear near the top of the list. Bliss also urged consumers to look beyond calorie counts and review serving sizes, protein, fibre, fat, sugar, and sodium levels to assess a product’s nutritional quality.

Do Not Ignore Expiry Dates and Allergens

Experts recommend checking expiry dates and storage instructions, particularly for perishable products. Improper storage can affect food quality and safety even before a product reaches its expiry date. Consumers should also review allergen declarations, especially if they are sensitive to ingredients such as nuts, milk, soy, or gluten.

Common Label-Reading Mistakes

Dt Bliss noted that many consumers misinterpret serving sizes and assume the nutritional information applies to the entire packet rather than a single serving. As a result, they may underestimate their intake of calories, sugar, and sodium. She also pointed out that consumers often overlook hidden sugars listed as glucose syrup, malt extract, or jaggery powder. In addition, terms such as “natural,” “herbal,” and “Ayurvedic” do not necessarily indicate that a product is free from artificial additives or excess sugar.

A Few Seconds Can Make a Difference

According to FSSAI and nutrition experts, spending a few extra seconds reading the back label can help consumers make safer, healthier, and more informed food choices.

Source: The Indian Express