Traditional Indian Meals Will Be Destroyed By FSSAI’s FOPNL, Which Will Improve Western Foods
On September 13, 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published a draught notification that would change the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling & Display). This change includes front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FOPNL). Foods will be rated according to their nutritional content per 100 grams or 100 milliliters under FOPNL using the INR (Indian Nutrition Rating System). The evaluations will range from 0.5 stars, or the least healthful, to 5 stars, or the healthiest.
The findings of a study of popular Indian foods conducted in accordance with the requirements of the star rating method under the FOPNL (Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling) regulation proposed by the FSSAI were published by the Indian Sellers Collective, an umbrella organization of trade associations and sellers throughout the nation.
The study’s findings point out serious weaknesses in the methodology because a significant portion of the delicacies that Indians have enjoyed eating and giving for ages would be rendered instantly unfit for human consumption. This is because the proposed star-rating system analyses foods using a limited and unscientific lens.
The ranking will have a negative impact on regional specialties from India. Examples include the North Indian Mathura Peda, which is also a religious offering, receiving a 0.5-star rating, and Patisa receiving a 1-star rating; South Indian specialties like Mysore Pak receiving a 0.5-star rating; and Indian specialties like Peanut Chikki and Instant Poha receiving a 0.5-star rating. Soan Papdi, arguably the most well-known Indian confection and a must-have for Diwali, will receive one star.
The planned Indian Nutrition Rating System, which rates all food items on a basis of 100 grams, is completely unscientific and does not take Indian consumption patterns and habits into account. As with traditional sweets like Peda or Mysore Pak, most of these Indian dishes that receive unjust ratings are really eaten in smaller single serves, like 20 grams.
Customers will view Indian traditional foods as unhealthy in comparison to western foods, which will include a comparable amount of sugar, fat, and salt if not more. Due to the influx of western meals, there is a significant threat that traditional Indian foods would be discouraged and eventually disappear. Western foods produced by MNCs will receive higher ratings if they are prepared using procedures like reconstitution and substitution, which are excluded under the new approach. In order to obtain a higher health star rating, western packaged food firms will readily change the nutrient makeup of their food products if they have goods with high or comparable amounts of salt and sugar.
The food processing sector in India has been expanding significantly, and western packaged food corporations have big plans to seize this lucrative market. These Western MNCs are working along with significant distributors and retail giants to seize the market and westernize the Indian palate. The FOPNL will be a crucial tool in this effort to delegitimize Indian food. This will also spell the end for MSMEs engaged in food processing in India.
News Mania Desk
