ICMR Warns of Misleading Labels on Packaged Foods: ‘Minimal Actual Fruit Pulp, Supplemented with Added Sugar’

Encouraging people to scrutinize food labels thoroughly and make informed choices, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently cautioned that the information presented on them could be deceptive.

“Health claims on packaged foods are designed to attract consumers’ attention and persuade them that the product is healthy. Despite strict regulations by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the details on labels may be misleading,” stated ICMR.

In its guidelines, ICMR highlighted how food products labeled as sugar-free, often perceived as suitable for diabetics and weight-watchers, could actually contain fats, refined cereals, and hidden sugars, resulting in high glycemic index and calorie content.

Similarly, tags like “no-cholesterol” or “heart-friendly” might mislead consumers, as all plant-based oils are cholesterol-free but still 100% fat, hence should be consumed moderately.

ICMR also debunked the misconception about products claiming to contain real fruit, revealing that they may have only a minimal percentage of actual fruit pulp, supplemented with added sugar and other additives.

According to ICMR’s guidelines, it’s crucial to carefully examine food labels, including ingredients, manufacturing date, expiry dates, allergen information, etc., to make informed dietary choices.