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Amid efforts by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to introduce star ratings for packaged foods, consumer experts have warned the government against it. They say star ratings will mislead consumers and give companies an opportunity to sell foods that are harmful to health. It would be better if there is a clear warning (front pack warning) about the food item on the packet.
In fact, FSSAI recently conducted a study on the star rating of IIM Ahmedabad. After this the exercise has intensified. According to Asim Sanyal, head of NGO Consumer Voice, star rating is not appropriate. The National Institute of Nutrition has also said that this would force unhealthy foods to be presented as healthy, which would not be in the best interest of consumers. Experts are also questioning that if a food product has a star rating of 2.5, how will consumers decide whether it is healthy or not.
Companies increase ratings
Star ratings are prevalent in many countries, where food and beverages are given a star rating of 1 to 4. But it has been observed that companies get star rating even for unhealthy food items by manipulation. For example, if a food falls under the category of junk food and has a rating of two stars or less, they increase its star rating by adding some vitamins or any nutritious ingredients to it, but in unhealthy foods, mixing any other such ingredients can have side effects. does not decrease.
A clear warning on the packet is a better option
Experts say that in the Indian context it is better to have front labeling on food items, with clear warnings about saturated fat, sugar and salt. This will make it easier for people to choose products. It is difficult to tell from the star rating whether it is high or low in sugar or salt. The front pack warning is all the more important considering the increasing number of diabetes and high blood pressure patients in India.