Report

Experts warned the FSSAI in a letter that removing the cautionary label, mandated after a scientific evaluation, “puts individuals with these genetic blood disorders at risk of harm to their health and overall well-being.” Health experts urged India’s top food regulatory body to revoke its order to remove the required warning label on iron-fortified food for people with sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia.

Concerns

They asked the FSSAI to reinstate the advisory, which states that individuals with thalassemia can consume iron-fortified products under medical supervision, while those with sickle cell anaemia should avoid them. Groups of health professionals, including doctors, public health experts, and medical ethicists, also raised concerns that excessive iron intake could increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, heart failure, and other health complications for individuals with these conditions.

In a joint letter, the experts highlighted that India’s specific circumstances—such as contra-indications, poverty, and malnutrition—are being overlooked in the decision to remove the label. They criticized the involvement of another ministry, without food safety authority, in pushing for the label’s removal, despite the FSSAI originally mandating it after thorough scientific deliberation.

Directive

On July 19, the FSSAI issued a directive to remove the warning label. Later, on September 18, the Centre released a draft notification proposing the label’s removal and opened it up for public feedback for 60 days. The decision to eliminate the warning label, originally recommended by the FSSAI, came after the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) requested a review, noting that no other country requires such a warning. However, the experts emphasized that the DFPD’s focus is on procurement and distribution, not public health.

Earlier this year, a panel working with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also recommended the removal of the cautionary sticker, leading the health ministry to approach the FSSAI and support its elimination.

Source: The Telegraph Online