Friday - 29 March 2024 - 4:42 PM

PVCHR APPEALS TO UNION HEALTH MINISTER FOR SWIFT ACTION ON MANDATORY FOPL FOR BETTER HEALTH of children

People’s Vigilance Committee for Human Rights (PVCHR), which has been spearheading the campaign to implement Front of Pack Labeling (FOPL), has written letters to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

This letter emphasizes the importance of tackling this issue for the sake of safeguarding the health and well-being of India’s children who consume ultra-processed food and beverages.

Health Ministry’s response has left PVCHR bewildered since the matters listed in the letter contradict those made public by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) via its CEO through media reports.

It was noted in the ministry’s response letter that a MoU was signed with IIM-Ahmedabad in September 2021 regarding the conduct of a consumer survey on perception of different FOPL labels for package food among Indian consumers. The study was expected to provide results through a comparative assessment of the prevalent FOPL models throughout the world in order to determine the most appropriate FOPL model for the Indian population.

FSSAI has also given contradictory statements and an interview to reputed media publications indicating that a decision has been made on the best FOPL model for Indians and that it is Health Star Rating (HSR).

PVCHR requested clarifications on FOPL regulation in its letter to the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister as media reports are conflicting and contradictory information from FSSAI. It has asked whether a decision has been made by the Union Health Ministry’s office to confirm Health Star Rating as the most appropriate FOPL model for Indians, and, if so, what evidence has been considered in reaching that conclusion.

PVCHR has also submitted its recommendation for a strong FOPL regulation for your kind consideration, since the FOPL regulation must be alert label mandatory and apply to all packaged food products. Given the diversity of food habits in India and the number and diversity of Indian food manufacturers, as well as the need to promote the export of Indian processed food products in international markets, the voluntary system of FOPL may not be in the interests of all stakeholders, including the food industry.

The PVCHR believes that the Union Health & Family Welfare Minister’s swift action on FOPL will make India more competitive in the health and nutrition sector.

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