Global food label systems compared as India debates warning signs

Countries around the world have adopted varied methods to convey nutritional information on packaged goods. The United Kingdom relies on Reference Intake figures, while the United States uses the Nutrition Facts panel and is testing a simplified front-of-pack system that flags low, medium or high levels of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.

European nations often employ the Nutri-Score, assigning grades from A to E based on a balance of positive and negative nutrients. Chile mandates bold black warning labels for products high in sugar, sodium, saturated fat or calories. Australia and New Zealand use the Health Star Rating, ranging from 0.5 to 5 stars, and some markets also feature traffic-light colour coding.