Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil supports greater front-of-pack nutrition transparency, while urging India to adopt a scientifically robust system based on serving sizes and consumer behaviour.
Nestlé has backed greater transparency in food labelling in India, with global CEO Philipp Navratil saying consumers should have clear information about the foods they purchase and consume. His comments come amid renewed debate over India’s proposed front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) framework for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat.
Navratil said “we welcome transparency” and argued that consumers should be encouraged to understand what they eat and make informed choices. At the same time, he said any front-of-pack system should be scientifically sound and designed around the way consumers actually consume food.
A key point raised by Nestlé is the importance of serving size. The company believes nutritional comparisons should not rely only on a standard gram-for-gram comparison, as consumers typically eat products in portions. Navratil said the framework should take into account consumption patterns and how foods are used as part of a wider meal.
Nestlé said it already provides nutritional information on its Indian product packs, including calories and recommended dietary allowance information, even where some disclosures are not mandatory. The company has also said it is working on product improvements involving parameters such as sugar, fat and sodium.
The comments come as India’s proposed FOPL framework remains under scrutiny. The Supreme Court has pressed the government and regulators to move forward on a clear system for front-of-pack nutrition information, with the discussion covering whether coloured indicators, numerical information, symbols or other formats should be used.
For the food processing and packaging industry, any mandatory front-of-pack system could have a direct impact on packaging design, label artwork, nutritional communication and regulatory compliance. Manufacturers would need to ensure that product information is accurate and presented according to whichever framework is ultimately adopted.
The debate also reflects the growing emphasis on consumer awareness and nutrition transparency in India’s packaged-food market. FSSAI has been increasing scrutiny of food labelling, advertising and health-related claims, with recent enforcement actions involving misleading claims and labelling violations.
Nestlé’s position represents a notable development because it combines support for greater transparency with a call for science-based implementation and industry consultation. The company has indicated that it is willing to share international experience with Indian authorities as the country’s labelling framework evolves.
The discussion is expected to remain important for India’s food, FMCG and packaging sectors, as regulators, manufacturers and consumer groups work toward a front-of-pack system that provides clear and meaningful nutrition information while remaining practical for food businesses to implement.