Will QR codes improve access to food labels?

Will QR codes improve access to food labels?

Subject : Science and Tech

Section: Awareness in IT

Context:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the inclusion of  a QR (quick response) code on food products for accessibility by visually impaired individuals  stating that this will ensure access to safe food for all.

Why is the move important?

• The move is vital as India is one of the largest markets of packaged foods in the world and is currently witnessing a growing burden of non­-communicable diseases (NCDs) which have seen an abrupt rise globally since the last two decades.
• According to the World Health Organization. Besides other factors,  this trend is attributed to aggressively marketed, cheaper, and more easily  available pre­packaged foods which is finding a growing preference among consumers.
• Every consumer has the right to know exactly what he is paying for and  if he is getting what he is promised and advertised.

What information will the QR codes provide?

• The FSSAI has advised that these new QR codes should encompass  comprehensive details about the product, including, but not limited to, ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing date, best before/ expiry/use by date, allergen warning, and contact information for customer  enquiries.
• It adds that the inclusion of a QR code for the accessibility of information does not replace or negate the requirement to provide mandatory information on the product label, as prescribed by relevant regulations.
• The latest advisory caters to two important regulations the FSSAI’s Food  Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020 which outlines the information to be included on labels  of food products and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which recognises the rights of individuals with disabilities and emphasizes accessibility of health for persons with disabilities.

How did the QR code come into being?

• A QR code is a type of two dimensional matrix barcode, invented in 1994, by the Japanese company Denso Wave for labeling automobile parts.
• According to market experts, for the food manufacturers, using QR codes on food products can help improve their brand image, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency.
• On the importance of accurate and accessible food labels, a recently  published paper titled, ‘Food literacy & food labelling laws a legal analysis of  India’s food policy’, noted that aggressively marketed, cheaper and more easily available pre­packaged foods, often considered as foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, is finding a growing preference amongst consumers in India.
• To prevent or control further widespread of NCDs, the FSSAI has issued  numerous food and packaging laws and acts to control their manufacture,  storage, distribution, sale, and import so that a safe and wholesome food is available to consumers.
• The front­ of­ pack labeling (FOPL), proposed by FSSAI in 2019, is a key strategy to alert and educate consumers in making an informed choice.
• Food industry experts also note that consumers now consider food packaging  equally important as a product.
• The increase in smartphone usage by consumers indicate that QR codes  are emerging as one of the most promising technologies to enhance the information provided to consumers and influence their buying behaviour.