Why in news? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended inclusion of QR Codes on food products for accessibility by visually impaired individuals.

Highlights:

• Food Business Operators are encouraged to incorporate provisions that facilitate easy access to nutritional information for visually impaired individuals.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 recognises the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, that emphasises accessibility and the promotion of health for persons with disabilities.

Features

• QR codes should consist details about the product, ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, manufacturing date, best before/expiry/use by date, allergen warning, and contact information for customer inquiries
• Inclusion of a QR code for the accessibility of information does not replace the requirement to provide mandatory information on the product label, as prescribed by relevant regulations

What are QR Codes?

• QR codes is a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode and a machine-readable optical image that contains information specific to the labelled item.
• It contain data for a locator, an identifier, and web tracking through scanning of codes with smart phone having QR readers.

Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020

• Regulation has comprehensively outlines the information to be included on the labels of food products
• New requirement like allergen information , nutrition information , expiry dates and logos are introduced under it
• It aims at empowering consumers to make informed choices about during food products selection.