- Recommendation to clearly label the sugar content on the front of the packet.
- Emphasis on printing the amount of ‘added sugar’ in children’s foods in grams.
- Warning that excess sugar is increasing obesity, dental disease and other health risks.
A parliamentary committee has made a significant recommendation that nutrition labels should be made mandatory on the front of the packet so that consumers can easily know the exact amount of sugar in food items while buying them. The report was submitted by the Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, headed by MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. The committee has expressed concern over the amount of sugar in packaged food for children. The amount of ‘added sugar’ in cereal-based foods should be clearly stated. The amount of sugar in each serving should be printed on the packet in grams and its percentage as per the daily energy requirement of the child, the committee said.
Current rules are inadequate. According to current rules, the envelope
It is mandatory to write the sugar content in numbers. However, the average consumer does not understand whether the product is good for health or not just by looking at the numbers. Therefore, it is necessary to put simple labels on the front of the packet clearly categorizing the sugar content as per the criteria of the World Health Organization and ICMR, so that the consumer can make the right decision.
Warning of serious consequences
Excessive sugar intake from packaged foods at a young age has long-term negative effects on children’s health. Excessive sugar intake in childhood increases the risk of tooth decay, obesity, metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. According to the 2024 ICMR guidelines, daily sugar intake should be limited to 25 grams.
These are the recommendations.
Label on the front: Recommendation to make it mandatory to put a label on the front of the package that explains whether the packaged food has a high sugar content or not.
Special attention on children’s food: The amount of ‘added sugar’ in grams in baby food and children’s food must be clearly printed.
Health risk: ICMR explains that eating too much sugar at a young age causes obesity, dental diseases and metabolic disorders.
Demand from the committee for a scientific classification that will make simple information immediately understandable to the consumer.