The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently advocated for the inclusion of Quick Response codes (QR codes) on food products. The rationale is the promotion of accessibility for visually impaired individuals, constituting a move towards inclusive growth. It aims to further the cause of safe food consumption on a universal scale.
About QR Codes
QR codes are a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode, originally invented by Japanese company Denso Wave in 1994. Primarily used for tracking and labeling automobile parts, it can store diverse types of data like alphanumeric text, website URLs, contact information, and more. These are characterized by distinctive square shapes with a pattern of black squares on a white background and can be interpreted using a QR code reader or smartphone camera.
FSSAI’s Recommendations for QR Codes
The FSSAI has advocated for QR codes on food labels in alignment with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, promoting adherence to labeling requirements essential for food safety and consumer protection. This action is also in adherence to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, highlighting the need for inclusivity and equal access to crucial information. QR codes offer comprehensive details about the product, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing and expiration dates, and contact information.
Confronting Access to Safe Food Concerns
India has witnessed a significant surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies aggressive marketing of cheaper, readily available pre-packaged foods as a contributing factor to this increase.
Implications of the FSSAI Move
QR codes can be scanned using smartphone applications which read out the information to users. This ensures visually impaired people have access to crucial information about food products, such as those needing dietary restrictions or are allergic to certain foods. All consumers are empowered to make knowledgeable choices, reducing the risk of health issues or adverse reactions.
Aiding Informed Decision-Making
With information readily available through QR codes, consumers can verify claims made by manufacturers and decide on purchases suiting their dietary and health needs. Amidst a marketplace flooded with packaged foods, this has become particularly crucial. The provision of nutritional information and allergen warnings assists in making healthier food choices.
Global Significance
Countries like the US, France, and U.K also use QR codes on food products, which aligns itself with global trends of consumers using QR codes for product information. The adaptation of QR codes on food products in India marks a significant step towards enhancing public health and promoting inclusivity.
About FSSAI
The FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024