Hyderabad: Researchers say that most processed food brands don’t inform consumers of the nutrient contents.
A study of processed products in the city found that only 52 per cent of products displayed nutrient information according to the norms prescribed by the FSSAI while only 27 per cent reported saturated fat and sodium levels.
The researchers had collected 4,166 processed food products from retail chains in the city. The assessment was carried out by a team of researchers from The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London and University of Sydney led by Dr Elizabeth Dunford.
“The majority of Indian foods don’t meet national and international nutrient labelling guidelines. With the Indian population likely to consume more packaged food in future, full and effective labelling will be essential,” the study noted.
Researchers also called for a review of guidelines and said reporting of saturated fat and sodium levels should be made mandatory. Saturated fat can cause cardiovascular diseases and excess sodium can lead to hypertension.
Studies have shown that about 59 per cent Indians understand the labels they read and 37 per cent check the nutritional information.
