FSSAI has recommended the inclusion of QR code on food products for accessibility by visually impaired individuals

25 Oct 2023

News
FSSAI has recommended the inclusion of QR code on food products for accessibility by visually impaired individuals

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), adding a QR code to food products will make them more accessible to visually impaired people. This will guarantee that everyone, including those with special needs, can access safe food. Ensuring equal access to information is a basic right of citizens, according to the authority's most recent advise, which is signed by Amit Sharma, Director, Science and Standards Division. The letter stated, "It is crucial that food products are labelled in a way that guarantees accessibility to all consumers, including those with visual impairments."

The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), provide a detailed guide on what should appear on food product labels. The product name, shelf life, nutrition data, logos designating the food as vegetarian or non-vegetarian, ingredient lists, allergy warnings, and other information particular to the product are all included in this information. The purpose of this information is to enable customers to choose food goods with knowledge and confidence. With a focus on accessibility and the promotion of health for people with disabilities, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 acknowledges the needs and rights of people with disabilities.

The authority points out that in order to improve accessibility, food business owners are urged to include clauses that make it simple for those with visual impairments to obtain nutritional information. Using Quick Response [QR] codes on product labels is one practical way to accomplish this. According to the FSSAI, these QR codes should contain all relevant product information, such as ingredients, nutritional data, allergies, manufacturing date, best before/expiry/use by date, allergy warning, and customer service contact information.

It also states that it is important to remember that the presence of a QR code for information accessibility does not take the place of or eliminate the need to provide required information on the product label, as required by applicable rules.

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