Traders body wants Indian nutritional value printed on food packs

The merchant’s body Confederation of All Indian Merchants (KAIT) has drawn Union Minister of Health Mansukh Mandaviya‘s attention to a draft notice issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for printing the Indian Nutritional Rating (INR) on food packages as part of a labeling exercise where healthy foods are given a higher rating.



In a letter, CAIT said the proposed rules fail to take into account the fundamental realities of the food trade and various parameters of consumer spending.

“This move undoubtedly seems logical and has been done with the good intentions of ensuring quality and nutritious food for the people of India. However, the proposed rules fail to take into account the fundamental realities of the food trade and various parameters of expenditure.” of consumers,” the letter read.

CAIT has claimed that the said regulations are an attempt to run the food trade with one stick, even though India is a country of great diversity. “The food trade in India is carried on one hand by big companies, but largely small Halwai, food operators, Sweet & Namkeen makers and others conduct their food business activities to meet the needs of about 80% of the country’s population, it added.

It said food choices vary from state to state. For example, in Delhi, people like chat pakori, kachori etc. But on the contrary, people of Gujarat prefer farsan, people of MP have great choice of locally produced namkeen, people of Maharashtra like to eat Pav Bhaji and people of South India have completely different choices.

These articles in particular are largely available in packaging. These items are famous for their very different and special recipes and they all have different nutritional values. These and many other great items are made depending on the taste of the people.

“Any law or regulation that can be made to regulate them by one yardstick will end with the closure of this large number of small confectionery and namkeen manufacturers, traditionally known as Halwai and Bakers, which will further result in unemployment of a large number of workers working with these small Halwai and sweet namkeen manufacturers,” it added.

“We kindly request that you consider the above submissions from us. However, we will be grateful if you would arrange for us to arrange a suitable appointment to discuss the subject with you in person,” the letter read by Praveen KhandelwalNational Secretary General, Confederation of All India Traders.

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