Disparities in the Quality of Packaged Food

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• A report by Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) a non-profit global foundation, found disparities in the quality of packaged food in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs).

About the Report:

• The report assessed 30 of the world’s largest Food & Beverage (F&B) manufacturers, which represent 23% of the global F&B market.
• Brands Analyzed: It analyzed products from major brands like Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Hershey.
• Method: The report used a health star rating system to evaluate the healthiness of food products.

Major Findings

• Portfolio Healthiness: It was found to be lowest in LMICs, highlighting disparities in products offered across different markets. 
• Affordability: Only 30% of companies have demonstrated a strategy to price some of their ‘healthier’ products affordably for lower income consumers. 

Global Health and India Context:

• High Burden of NCDs:  In India, NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) like diabetes and obesity are rising due to unhealthy diets, contributing to a large disease burden.An estimated 10.13 crore Indians have diabetes, and as per National Family Health Survey 5, obesity stands at 24% among women and 23% among men.
  • The Economic Survey of India 2023-24 noted 56.4% of India’s disease burden is linked to unhealthy diets.
• Affordability and Diet Changes: As per UN data over 50% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet.
• Malnutrition: Undernutrition, anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies continue to remain pressing problems in India.

Food Labelling in India:

• India has yet to make significant progress on front-of-pack food labelling to indicate unhealthy levels of sugar, fat, and sodium.
• While India has signed international resolutions on food marketing and labelling (e.g., WHO’s guidelines on marketing unhealthy food to children), regulations on food labelling have stalled.

Other related initiatives 

• FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India):
  • It is the central authority responsible for regulating food safety standards.
  • It sets standards for food quality, hygiene, and packaging.
  • It also oversees food business licensing and registration.
  • Food businesses must register or obtain an FSSAI license based on their scale of operations (e.g., manufacturers, retailers, importers).
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:
  • This law provides the framework for food safety and regulates manufacturing, storage, sale, and import of food products.
  • It mandates food businesses to obtain a license or registration.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with food safety regulations can result in penalties, fines, suspension, or cancellation of licenses.
• Consumer Protection: The regulations include provisions for consumer safety, such as the requirement for clear food labeling and the ability to recall unsafe food products.

Challenges of Food Safety in India

• Lack of Testing Facilities: There is a shortage of adequately equipped food testing laboratories, limiting the ability to monitor food quality and safety across the country.
• Lack of Consumer Awareness: A significant portion of the population is not fully aware of food safety standards, labeling requirements, or their rights to safe food, resulting in poor consumer vigilance.
• Weak Monitoring and Inspections: Inadequate resources for regular inspections and enforcement, result in low compliance with food safety regulations.
• Street Food and Small Vendors: A large proportion of food is sold by unregistered vendors who do not follow food safety standards, often because of lack of awareness, resources, or regulatory oversight.
• Non-licensed Food Producers: Many small-scale food producers and vendors operate without the necessary licenses, bypassing regulatory controls.
• False Claims on Labels: Misleading claims about health benefits and organic certifications on food labels are common, making it hard for consumers to make informed decisions.

Suggestive Measures

• Front of Package Labelling: It would indicate high sugar, fat and sodium content, in Chile and Mexico for instance, the consumption of sugary beverages decreased after such mandatory labelling. 
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch national and regional campaigns to educate consumers about food safety standards, labeling, and foodborne illness prevention.
• Regular Review of Standards: Regularly update and review food safety standards to keep pace with technological advancements and international best practices. 
• Global Harmonization: Align India’s food safety regulations with international standards (e.g., Codex Alimentarius) to ensure that Indian food products can compete globally while ensuring consumer safety.

Source: TH