FSSAI Proposes QR Codes on Food Labels for Visually Impaired
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is promoting accessibility for all individuals, including those with visual impairments, by recommending the inclusion of QR codes on food product labels. The FSSAI notes that implementing this feature is necessary to ensure safe food access for individuals with special needs and empower them to make informed decisions about the products they consume.
Making Food Labels Accessible to Everyone
The FSSAI is taking steps to make food product information accessible to everyone by recommending QR codes on food labels. The inclusion of QR codes will provide visually impaired individuals with comprehensive details about the product, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, and a lot more.
Accessibility and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, people with disabilities have the same rights and freedoms as everyone else and are entitled to access the same healthcare services. This Act aims to promote their health, mobility, independence and social welfare. Additionally, the FSSAI is making it a priority that visually impaired individuals have access to information to empower them to make informed decisions.
Comprehensive Labeling Requirements
The FSSAI has outlined comprehensive requirements regarding food labelling. This information includes product name, shelf life, nutrition facts, vegetarian/non-vegetarian logos, ingredient lists, allergen warnings, and other specific labelling requirements. These food labelling recommendations will help food business operators ensure that all customers have equal and consistent information regarding the food products.
Provisions for Accessibility
To create accessibility for visually impaired individuals, the FSSAI has recommended the incorporation of Quick Response (QR) codes. These QR codes should encompass comprehensive product information, including, but not limited to, ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing date, best before/expiry/use-by date, allergen warning, and contact information for customer inquiries.
Moreover, Food Business operators are obliged to include provisions to facilitate easy access to nutritional information for visually impaired individuals. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is by incorporating Quick Response [QR] codes on product labels.
Mandatory Information
The inclusion of QR codes for accessibility to information does not replace the requirement to provide mandatory information on product labels as prescribed by regulation. The information provided through QR codes should not contradict the mandatory labelling requirements; instead, it should enhance it, making the essential information more inclusive.
Benefits of QR codes on food labels
The inclusion of QR codes will help to:
- Facilitate accessibility of food product information to visually impaired individuals.
- Promote inclusive access to information.
- Empower consumers to make informed decisions when selecting food products.
- Enable equal access to food safety information.
- Helps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FSSAI’s recommendation to incorporate QR codes on food product labels is a significant step towards accessible food products and inclusive access to information. It will enable visually impaired individuals to make informed decisions about their food choices, enhancing their quality of life. With Food Business Operators encouraged to incorporate provisions that facilitate easy access to nutritional information for visually impaired individuals, the initiative is timely, and a great move towards creating an inclusive society.
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