Nestle wants India to consult on food-labelling rules amid debate on packaging warnings

Business Recorder reported that Nestle wants India to consult companies while drafting front-of-pack health labels for food and drinks. Chief executive Philipp Navratil told the Economic Times that the company backs such labels for products high in sugar, salt and fat, but manufacturers should have a say so that the process is sound. He added that companies can take part in the debate to ensure the rules are scientifically based.

The debate follows the government's decision to drop a warning-label proposal in March after firms including Coca-Cola and industry bodies representing Nestle opposed it. Separately, India's Supreme Court has criticised New Delhi for delays and called for front-facing warning labels to be implemented, while the food safety regulator FSSAI did not respond to queries on the matter.

Public anger has grown on social media, and activists argue that companies should not be involved in deciding labelling rules. Industry estimates suggest nearly 80% of products in India's packaged food and beverages market, which is worth more than $100 billion, could be classed as high-fat, high-sugar or high-salt.