Regulating Contents of Sugar and Salt in Food and Beverages

Increased consumption of soft drinks, colas and other canned foods, contribute to obesity which is risk factor of Hypertension, Cardio-vascular problems, Diabetes, Stoke, etc. Further, as per sub-regulation 2.2.2.3(ii) of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, quantity of sugar per 100g or 100 ml or per serving of the products, is required to be specified on the label. However, there is no proposal to fix quantity of sugar in aerated drinks and energy tonics, under consideration in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Strengthening of Food and Drugs Administration at Central and State levels is a continuous process. FSSAI has rolled out a scheme for strengthening of food testing system in the Country with an outlay of Rs. 481.95 Crore. Further, the Government has also approved a proposal for strengthening of drug regulatory system in the country, both at the Central and State levels at a cost of Rs.1750 cr. Out of this, Rs.900 cr. are for strengthening of Central regulatory structure, while Rs.850 cr. have been approved as the Central Government’s contribution for upgrading and strengthening the States’ Drug Regulatory System.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Faggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.