“It’s always good to have a voice from companies; there might be different views (on the subject). We can be part of the debate in terms of making sure it is scientifically done,” Navratil said, in response to ET’s specific query on the subject at a select media roundtable in New Delhi.
Also Read: Nestle CEO outlines new road map for “very attractive” India market
The fast-moving consumer goods company would “definitely collaborate and share its experiences from other countries” with the government on front-of-pack labelling, if asked, Navratil said.
The exercise should replicate actual consumption patterns instead of a blanket direction tied to grammage. “So, for example, labelling by portions and not by grammage (should be considered), because sometimes people eat portions, they don’t eat grams of products,” he said.
His India visit comes just weeks after the Supreme Court criticised the Centre and the packaged foods regulator — Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — on delays in enforcing the mandatory labelling. The contentious labelling has been in the works for nearly a decade now.
Packaged foods companies are also facing unprecedented FSSAI scrutiny on allegations of mislabelling and exaggerated or incorrect labelling on packs.Also Read: Nestle backs stricter food labelling norms, says transparency key for consumers
As of now, Nestlé India voluntarily declares front-of-pack Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) for fat, sugar and sodium content on its brands such as Maggi noodles and pasta, and on large packs of chocolates Milky Bar and KitKat.
**Investment Commitments**
Navratil and Nestlé India managing director Manish Tiwary also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the company’s commitment to the country. Nestlé India has invested about Rs 2,830 crore in capacity expansion over the past two financial years.