Product labelling might seem like a mundane detail, but it's the glue that holds regulations, reality, and consumer awareness together. In a world flooded with choices, those labels aren't just pretty decorations; they are your window into what you're buying and putting into your body.
Let's cut to the chase - nobody wants to play guessing games with their groceries or any other product, for that matter.
Imagine picking up something off the shelf and finding... nothing. No list of ingredients, no expiration date, just a blank space staring back at you.
It's a recipe for disaster, literally and figuratively. How can you trust something that doesn't even tell you what's inside?
Sure, we might not read every single word on those labels, but knowing that they're there gives us peace of mind.
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It's like having a safety net, especially when it comes to things like food allergies or dietary restrictions. That's why regulations exist—to make sure those labels are informative and accurate.
But it's not just about following the rules; it's about empowering consumers to make informed choices.
When you know what's in your food or your skincare products, you're in control. You can decide what's best for you and your family. And that is power.
Let's talk about reality for a moment. Sure, we'd all love to believe that every company out there has our best interests at heart, but let's be real—that's not always the case.
Without regulations and clear labelling requirements, some companies might cut corners or sneak in ingredients they shouldn't, ethically speaking.
It's not just about protecting consumers; it's about levelling the playing field for businesses too.
When everyone plays by the same rules, it's easier to spot the bad apples.
As per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, the food business operators are required to label and display the information of their food articles on the packaging of the products.
In the United States too, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the labelling of packaged foods. The FDA requires that food manufacturers list all ingredients in descending order by weight, including any food allergens, on the packaging.
The ingredient list must be prominently displayed and easily readable, and it should not contain any misleading or false information.
The FDA also requires that certain food additives be specifically listed by their common or usual name.
Now, let's shift gears and talk about consumer awareness.
We live in a world where information is at our fingertips, and people are more conscious than ever about what they're buying.
That's where those labels come in handy.
They're like a crash course in product knowledge, giving us the lowdown on everything from calories to chemicals.
But here's the kicker, labels aren't just about what's written on them; they're about how they are presented.
Ever notice how certain colours or fonts catch our eye? That's not by accident. It's all part of the psychology of branding, designed to make one feel in a certain way about a product before one even tries it.
So, the next time you're perusing the aisles or scrolling through online listings, take a moment to appreciate those labels.
They are more than just stickers or tags; they are your allies in the battle for informed consumption.
And in a world where knowledge is power, that's a pretty big deal.
(The author is the IGP (Admin & STF), Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)
