After health drinks, FSSAI now orders packaged fruit juices to remove '100%' claim from label, know more

Summer is the time when many of us stack our refrigerators with packaged fruit juices. However, we don't understand how unhealthy they are and what harm they may cause us. Even though many of these juice companies claim to be '100%' fruit juices, they are actually not.

FSSAI orders packaged fruit juices to remove '100%' claim

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked all packaged fruit juices available in the market which claim to be 100% fruit juices, to immediately remove the 100% claim from their labels and advertisements.

FSSAI asks food companies to phase out existing pre-printed packaging materials

FSSAI has also directed all food companies to phase out their existing pre-printed packaging materials before September 1, 2024. Let us tell you that these packaged juices contain only water as the main ingredient and bare minimum quantity of their primary ingredient that’s fruit or its pulp.

Making juice by adding water is called reconstituted, hence the label of these juices should say reconstituted instead of 100% fruit juice.

Whereas if the nutritive sweeteners in the juice are more than 15gm/kg, then 'Sweetened Juice' should also be written on the label of the product. Apart from this, FSSAI says that as per the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulation 2018, there is no provision for making '100%' claim.

Why are packaged juices harmful?

High Sugar Content: Packaged juices contain added sugars, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Even those labeled as '100% juice' are high in natural sugars, which impact blood sugar levels and overall caloric intake.

Lack of Fiber: Unlike whole fruits, packaged juices typically lack dietary fiber, which is essential for digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Preservatives and Additives: To extend shelf life and enhance flavour, most packaged juices contain preservatives and artificial additives that have negative health effects, including allergies, liver issues and weight gain.

Nutrient Loss: The process of making packaged juice often involves pasteurization, which destroys vitamins and antioxidants found in fresh fruits.

Empty Calories: Drinking packaged juice can lead to the consumption of empty calories which means calories that provide little to no nutritional benefit. This can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies.

Dental Health: The high sugar and acid content in packaged juices can erode tooth enamel, leading to dental cavities and other oral health issues.

Also watch: What is the difference between 'Expiry date' and 'Best before date' on food labels? FSSAI explains