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Food labels - Powerful instruments promoting nutritional awareness
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Saturday, 28 March, 2026, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Dr Kapil Ubarhande, Dr Ruchu Kuthiala & Dr Rupali Rokade
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In the modern era of processed foods, online grocery platforms, and aggressive food marketing, food labels serve as a bridge between the manufacturer and the consumer. From a nutrition and dietetics perspective, food labelling is not merely a regulatory requirement but an essential public health tool. It empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices, supports therapeutic nutrition planning, and plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Understanding Food Labels: A food label is a printed informational panel attached to packaged food products that provides details about ingredients, nutrient composition, serving size, allergen warnings, storage instructions, manufacturing date, expiry date, and regulatory approvals. In India, food labelling regulations are governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which ensures transparency, consumer safety, and standardisation in packaged food products.
From a dietetics standpoint, the nutrition information panel (NIP) is the most critical component of the label. It typically includes energy value (calories), macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), added sugars, sodium, and sometimes dietary fibre.
Role of Food Labels in Promoting Nutritional Awareness: One of the primary roles of food labels is to promote nutritional literacy. In today’s environment, where ultra-processed foods dominate the market, consumers are often unaware of hidden sugars, excessive sodium, or
unhealthy fats in their daily diets. Reading labels enables individuals to compare products and select healthier alternatives.
For example, two similar breakfast cereals may appear equally healthy based on packaging claims. However, a close inspection of the nutrition panel may reveal significant differences in added sugar content, fibre levels, and portion sizes. Thus, labels help prevent misleading assumptions driven by marketing tactics such as “low-fat,” “natural,” or “multigrain.” Front-of-pack labelling systems are also gaining importance globally. Traffic light labelling, star rating systems, and warning labels for high sugar or sodium content are being implemented in many countries to simplify nutrition information for quick decision-making. Importance in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): From a clinical nutrition perspective, food labels are indispensable in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Dietitians rely on accurate nutrient information to design therapeutic diets for patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, renal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and food allergies.
For instance: A diabetic patient must monitor total carbohydrates and added sugars. A hypertensive patient must restrict sodium intake. A renal patient must carefully track potassium, phosphorus, and protein intake. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing products. In such cases, food labels serve as practical tools for both dietitians and patients to maintain dietary compliance and prevent complications.
Prevention and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases: India and many developing countries are witnessing a rapid rise in lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Excess intake of trans fats, refined sugars, and sodium is a significant contributing factor.
Food labelling supports preventive nutrition by: Highlighting trans-fat content; Indicating added sugar levels; Specifying sodium quantity; Displaying calorie information per serving.
When consumers consistently read and interpret labels, they are more likely to reduce consumption of high-risk nutrients. This behaviour, over time, can contribute to lowering the prevalence of diet-related diseases.
Portion Control and Energy Balance: Another vital aspect from the dietetics viewpoint is portion size awareness. Many consumers unknowingly consume multiple servings of packaged foods, assuming the entire packet represents a single serving. The nutrition panel, however, may define smaller serving sizes. Understanding “per serving” versus “per 100 g” values helps individuals manage calorie intake effectively. For weight management and sports nutrition, accurate energy calculation is essential. Therefore, food labels act as educational tools in promoting mindful eating practices. Allergen Disclosure and Food Safety: Food allergies are a growing global concern. Mandatory allergen declarations on labels protect individuals with hypersensitivities to substances such as peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, and tree nuts. Clear labelling reduces the risk of accidental exposure and severe allergic reactions.
Moreover, batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and expiry dates ensure traceability and consumer safety. This is especially important in cases of food recalls or contamination. Regulatory and Ethical Significance: Food labels also represent ethical responsibility and regulatory compliance. Authorities mandate accurate nutrient disclosure to prevent false claims and deceptive marketing. Claims such as “high protein,” “low fat,” or “sugar-free” must meet defined regulatory standards.
In India, FSSAI has introduced stricter guidelines on trans fats and labelling transparency, aiming to improve public health outcomes. Globally, organisations like the World Health Organization advocate clear food labelling as a strategy to combat obesity and diet-related diseases.
Challenges in Food Label Utilisation
Despite its importance, the effectiveness of food labelling depends largely on consumer understanding.
Several challenges exist: Limited nutrition literacy among the general population; Technical terminology that may confuse consumers; Small font size and complex formatting; Misleading front-label marketing claims.
From a dietetics education perspective, there is a strong need to incorporate label-reading skills into nutrition counselling programmes, community outreach initiatives, and academic curricula.
Present and Future Perspectives: With technological advancements, digital labelling and QR-code-based extended nutrition information are emerging trends. Smart labelling can provide detailed ingredient sourcing, sustainability data, and personalised dietary recommendations.
Artificial intelligence-based mobile applications now allow consumers to scan labels and receive simplified health scores. Such innovations enhance consumer engagement and promote informed dietary choices.
Furthermore, there is increasing emphasis on sustainability labelling, including carbon footprint indicators and eco-friendly packaging information. From a holistic nutrition viewpoint, dietetics now extends beyond individual health to environmental well-being.
Conclusion: From the perspective of nutrition and dietetics, food labels are far more than informational stickers on packaged products. They are powerful public health instruments that promote nutritional awareness, support therapeutic dietary planning, enhance food safety, and contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
However, the true potential of food labelling can only be realised when consumers are educated to interpret the information accurately. Strengthening nutrition literacy, simplifying label formats, and ensuring strict regulatory enforcement will further enhance their effectiveness. In a world where dietary choices directly influence health outcomes, food labels stand as silent yet significant guides, enabling individuals to take control of their nutritional well-being and make informed, responsible decisions.
(Dr Ubarhande is assistant professor, School of Sciences, Pimpri Chinchwad University, Pune, Dr Kuthiala is Dean School of Science, Pimpri Chinchwad University, Pune, and Dr Rokade is from School of Sciences, Pimpri Chinchwad University, Pune)
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