Leading packaged food firm Orkla India has expressed strong support for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed front-of-pack labelling norms. According to latest reports from PTI, Managing Director and CEO Sanjay Sharma stated that the industry is aligned with FSSAI's intent to empower consumers to make informed choices as awareness levels continue to rise. Sharma emphasized that consumers deserve greater information about the products they consume, with the food industry fully supportive of the food regulator's push in this direction. As reported by PTI, Sharma noted that "consumers have the right to access clear nutritional information before making purchasing decisions," adding that the industry is aligned with the regulator's broader objective of helping consumers make informed choices about the products they consume.
The labelling initiative has gained additional attention following Supreme Court intervention on Friday, which asked FSSAI to provide more clarifications on planned labels for 'nutrients of concern' including fat, sugar and salt. As reported by PTI, Sharma noted that the point of contention was not the principle of labelling but its format and implementation, adding that the industry has made 'a lot of consultations and submissions' to FSSAI on the issue. The proposed system seeks to provide prominent information on sugar, salt and fat, particularly to help consumers identify products containing higher levels of these nutrients. The broader industry remains supportive of the initiative while discussions continue on the format and implementation of proposed labels, with Sharma already engaged with industry body CII on this issue. "The industry is (ready) for the entire thing. The question is what should be the label and how should it be done," Sharma said, noting that the industry has made several submissions to the regulator on the matter.
Sharma highlighted that the industry is ready for the entire labelling initiative, with the primary question being what the label should look like and how it should be implemented. According to PTI, he noted that "the industry is (ready) for the entire thing. The question is what should be the label and how should it be done," with the industry having made several submissions to the regulator on the matter. The FSSAI's proposed FOPL regulations seek to mandate labels on packaged food indicating levels of sugar, salt and fat, aimed at helping consumers identify products high in these components. As reported by PTI, Sharma is already engaged with industry body CII on this issue, emphasizing that the standard regulatory process should ideally be followed for matters of this nature. He also called for the regulator to follow the established process for framing such regulations, including consultations with industry stakeholders, consumer organisations and other relevant bodies.
Regarding the current legal status, Sharma noted that the FOPL matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, with FSSAI having submitted its recommendations. As reported by PTI, he emphasized that "the standard process is to come out with a draft, do consultations with the industry, with the consumer bodies which take care of consumer interest, with all people who are concerned with regulations, with the WTO... and eventually get notified as legislation." He highlighted that draft food regulations must be notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) before final notification, in line with India's international trade obligations, expressing hope that these processes will be followed. "I do hope that those processes will be followed," Sharma added, noting that he would not "second guess" the Supreme Court's eventual decision given that the matter is currently pending before the apex court.
Orkla India, part of Norwegian conglomerate Orkla ASA, has a significant presence in India's packaged food market with its portfolio including brands such as MTR, Eastern and Rasoi Magic, spanning ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals, vermicelli, spices and other convenience foods. According to PTI, FSSAI's proposed FOPL framework is aimed at giving consumers easily accessible nutritional information on packaged foods, with the broader objective of enabling more informed choices and encouraging greater awareness of dietary intake. The initiative represents a significant step forward in consumer protection and regulatory transparency in India's packaged food sector.
