Front Of Pack Labeling And Right To Information Of Consumer: An Appraisal Of The Indian

Front Of Pack Labeling And Right To Information Of Consumer: An Appraisal Of The Indian Labeling Regulations

Hassini R, B.A., LL.B (Hons), SASTRA Deemed University

ABSTRACT

In India, there has been a rise in the consumption of highly processed, unhealthy food such as junk food and packaged food. The spread of non- communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes etc., is growing owing to increasing unhealthy eating habits. The consumers must be informed of the nutritional content in food products to make sure that they are aware of the proportion of good and negative nutrients they are going to intake. They have the right to information regarding the product they are consuming. The labels on the food packaging declare the nutritional information and are displayed to convey to the consumer the content of the food. Thus, labels on packaged and junk food act as a means of securing the right to information of the consumer and protecting them from consuming dangerous, unhealthy food. Front of pack labeling system ensures that the labels of essential nutritional information are displayed on the front of the packaging in simple understandable shapes and warning labels. Consumers must make healthy choices between the packaged food and available food products, and the front of pack labeling system ensures the protection of their interest from the disguised exploitation of the packaging industry. This article explores the advantages and need for implementation of the front of pack labeling system in India.