FSSAI for Cholesterol Check

FSSAI promotes healthier eating by encouraging consumers to check cholesterol and trans-fat levels in everyday foods. Packaged items now carry labels showing if they are low in cholesterol or trans-fat free, helping people make heart-smart choices. By reading these labels and choosing wisely, families can reduce the risk of heart disease and stay healthy. Simple food awareness can lead to stronger hearts and safer meals. In this article, you will learn about FSSAI and the role of FSSAI for cholesterol checks.

What is FSSAI and Its Role in Public Health?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Set up in 2006, it ensures the food we eat is safe, clean, and healthy. FSSAI creates food safety standards, inspects food businesses, issues licenses, and promotes public awareness on healthy eating. It plays a major role in reducing foodborne illnesses, controlling harmful ingredients like trans fats, and encouraging safe food handling. Every packaged food product in India must carry an FSSAI license number, proving it meets these safety norms. Through regulations and education, FSSAI helps protect consumers and improve overall public health.

FSSAI for Cholesterol Check

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched strong public health initiatives focusing on cholesterol, trans fats, and healthier heart habits.

Reducing Trans Fats in Oils & Foods

• In 2020, FSSAI limited industrially produced trans fats in all oils and fats to 2% or less, aligning with global standards set by the WHO.
• This move aims to eliminate Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHVO) from Indian diets by 2022, ahead of the WHO's 2023 goal.
• A 2021 survey showed that over 97% of packaged foods comply with the <2% trans?fat limit, indicating strong early success.

Labelling & “Trans?Fat Free” Logos

• From March 2022, manufacturers may use a “trans-fat-free” logo if products contain ≤?0.2?g TFA per 100?g.
• FSSAI has also made trans-fat declarations mandatory on edible oil and packaged food labels—a vital step toward informed consumer choice.

Managing Cholesterol via Food Claims

• Under its packaging rules, FSSAI allows heart?healthy claims like “low saturated fat” or “soluble fibre helps reduce blood cholesterol”, only when backed by clinical evidence and set intake levels.
• Oils rich in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats—like avocado, sunflower, and chia oils can now carry cholesterol?reducing claims if they meet specific nutrient criteria

Public Health Impact

• Trans fat intake links directly to higher LDL (“bad cholesterol”), lower HDL (“good cholesterol”), and a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
• Removing trans fats is one of the most effective, scalable ways to lower cardiovascular risk at the population level.

Long-Term Vision & Next Steps

• Through its Eat Right India campaign, FSSAI educates consumers on healthy oils, label reading, and heart?smart eating habits.
• Upcoming regulations will highlight front-of-pack labels, which makes nutritional info like trans fats & cholesterol clearer at a glance
• Educational outreach extends to schools, eateries, and food businesses, aiming to train food handlers and promote smart cooking practices

FSSAI’s Food Labelling Standards for Cholesterol

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures packaged foods are transparent about cholesterol content. Here is how they keep you informed, in simple language:

1. Mandatory Cholesterol Labelling: FSSAI requires all packaged food products that contain animal fat and over 0.5% total fat to clearly mention cholesterol content on the nutrition label. This helps consumers know how much cholesterol they are consuming and avoid health risks like heart disease or high blood pressure.
2. Nutritional Information Panel Requirements: Every food label must show values for energy, protein, carbohydrates, sugars, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium. These must be printed clearly and visibly, which helps you compare food items and choose healthier options easily, even while shopping in a hurry.
3. Definition of “Low Cholesterol” Claims: FSSAI allows the term “low cholesterol” only if solid foods have 20 mg or less cholesterol per 100 grams and liquids have 10 mg or less per 100 ml. Additionally, the food must also be low in saturated fat. This ensures only genuinely healthy products carry this claim.
4. Definition of “Cholesterol-Free” Claims: Food products can only be called “cholesterol-free” if they contain no more than 5 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams or millilitres and also meet low saturated fat requirements. These limits prevent misleading claims and help consumers trust what’s written on food packaging.
5. Ban on Misleading Terms: Words like “cholesterol fighter,” “zero cholesterol oil,” or “heart-safe” are not allowed on labels unless supported by scientific proof and approved by FSSAI. This protects buyers from being misled by clever marketing and helps build trust in genuine, health-focused food labelling.
6. Clean and Clear Labelling Rules: FSSAI mandates that cholesterol and fat information be displayed in an easy-to-read format using simple fonts and contrasting colours. All nutritional values must appear on the main panel or clearly visible part of the packaging. This ensures buyers don’t miss important health details.
7. Public Health and Consumer Protection: These labelling standards aim to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and obesity by helping people avoid hidden cholesterol and unhealthy fats in packaged foods. Transparent food labelling empowers people to take control of their diet and make informed choices for their well-being.
8. Smart Shopping Habits for Consumers: FSSAI encourages consumers to read labels carefully and not fall for marketing claims alone. Always check the nutrition panel for cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat. Choose foods that meet FSSAI’s “low” or “cholesterol-free” standards for better heart health.

Safe Cholesterol Levels: What You Should Know

Cholesterol isn’t all bad. Your body uses it to build cells, make hormones, and digest food. But keeping your cholesterol numbers in the right ranges is key for good heart health

Types That Matter

Three numbers matter most:

• LDL (“bad”): It can clog arteries.
• HDL (“good”): Helps clean excess cholesterol.
• Triglycerides: A fat that stores unused calories

Ideal Cholesterol Targets

According to health experts:

• LDL should be less than 100?mg/dL, or below 70 if you have heart disease.
• HDL should be 60?mg/dL or higher, but at least 40 for men and 50 for women
• Total cholesterol should stay under 200?mg/dL
• Triglycerides should remain below 150?mg/dL

Why These Ranges Matter

• High LDL leads to artery blockage, heart attacks, and strokes
• High HDL protects your heart by removing bad cholesterol
• High triglycerides increase heart disease risk, especially alongside high LDL or low HDL

How to Reach Healthy Levels

• Eat smart: Choose whole grains, fruits, veggies, healthy fats like olive oil, beans, nuts, and fatty fish; avoid too much saturated or trans-fat.
• Stay active: Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days’ raises HDL and lowers LDL.
• Stay smoke-free and manage stress: These steps help improve your cholesterol numbers.
• Check your numbers: Adults should get tested every 4–6 years, more often if you have risks.
• Use medication if needed: Doctors may prescribe statins if lifestyle changes don’t bring your LDL below 100?mg/dL, or 70?mg/dL if you have heart conditions.

FSSAI’s Approved Cholesterol-Friendly Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guides consumers toward foods that help manage cholesterol wisely. Its rules encourage heart-smart choices through accurate labeling and healthier food standards. Let us discuss them in brief:

• Oils Rich in Healthy Fats

FSSAI approves oils high in monounsaturated fats (like avocado, high-oleic sunflower, and safflower oils) and polyunsaturated fats. These heart-healthy oils help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol when used correctly

• Omega?3 Sources Like Chia and Flax

Oils with at least 0.3g alpha?linolenic acid (ALA) per 100g—such as chia and flaxseed oils—can carry claims that they help maintain healthy cholesterol. These omega?3 fats are linked to better heart function

• Soluble Fiber Foods

Products containing at least 1g of beta?glucan (from oats, barley, millets) per serving may claim they lower blood cholesterol. This fiber blocks cholesterol absorption, which helps you stay heart-healthy

• Plant Sterols & Stanols

Foods with at least 1g plant sterols or stanols per serving—and up to 3g/day—help reduce cholesterol absorption. Such products are approved to advertise this heart-helping benefit

• Trans Fat Restrictions

FSSAI limits trans?fat in fats and oils to ≤?0.2?g per 100?g (or 1?g in oils). Removing trans fats helps increase “good” HDL cholesterol and reduce “bad” LDL, protecting your heart

Why These Foods Matter?

The reason why these food matters are listed below:

• Support Heart Health Naturally: These foods help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) without affecting good cholesterol (HDL), which protects your heart and keeps blood vessels healthy.
• Good Fats Replace Bad Fats: Foods rich in monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), like olive oil, sunflower oil, nuts, and seeds, reduce harmful cholesterol and are better than saturated or trans fats.
• Soluble Fiber Flushes Out Cholesterol: Ingredients like oats, barley, apples, and pulses contain soluble fiber, which traps cholesterol in the digestive system and removes it before it enters the blood.
• Omega-3 Fats Fight Inflammation: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts are high in omega-3s, which lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart function.
• Plant Sterols Block Cholesterol Absorption: Found in small amounts in fortified foods, plant sterols and stanols stop cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestines, helping to lower LDL levels safely.
• FSSAI-Approved and Science-Backed: These foods are encouraged by FSSAI because they are proven by global health research to support healthy cholesterol levels and prevent lifestyle-related illnesses.

How to Read Food Labels for Cholesterol?

The following details include how to read food labels for cholesterol:

• Check the Serving Size

The cholesterol number on a label is based on a specific serving size. If the serving is small but you eat more, the cholesterol you consume increases proportionally. Always adjust the amount to match how much you actually eat.

• Look at the Cholesterol Content

Food labels list cholesterol in milligrams per serving. The daily recommendation is less than 300?mg. Some labels use “low cholesterol” if it is under 20?mg per serving. Knowing this helps you manage intake better.

• Watch Saturated and Trans Fats

Cholesterol labels often include saturated and trans fat details. These fats raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk. Choose foods low in these fats and high in unsaturated fats instead.

• Check Complete Nutrition Panel

FSSAI requires labels to show energy, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, protein, sugar, and sodium. A full picture helps you compare foods and pick better options.

• Beware of Misleading Claims

Terms like “low-fat” or “cholesterol-free” can be misleading. Some foods may have hidden sugars or small amounts of trans fats. Always double-check the nutrition panel, not just front labels.

• Use % Daily Value (%DV)

%DV shows how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to daily needs (based on a 2,000 kcal diet). Aim for cholesterol ≤ 5% DV per serving and limit saturated fats to under 5–7% daily.

How FSSAI Supports Regular Health Screening?

The details below include how FSSAI supports regular health screening:

1. Mandatory Medical Check-ups for Food Handlers: FSSAI mandates that all food handlers—chefs, servers, packers, undergo detailed medical exams when hired and every year afterwards. These exams include stool tests (to check for intestinal germs), chest X-rays or Mantoux tests (for tuberculosis), and blood tests for infections like typhoid and hepatitis A. This helps prevent illness from reaching food via handlers.
2. Vaccination Requirements: To curb foodborne infections, FSSAI strongly recommends vaccinations for food handlers, including the typhoid and hepatitis A shots. While not always mandatory, these vaccines help keep kitchens safer and staff healthier.
3. Fitness Certificates and Record-Keeping: Once cleared, food handlers receive fitness certificates that must be renewed periodically. Food businesses are required to keep these records on-site and display them to show compliance and build consumer trust.
4. Hygiene & Medical Training: FSSAI doesn't just stop at medical checks. Food handlers must undergo hygiene training covering safe practices, symptom awareness, and proper attire. Periodic refresher sessions and supervision ensure updated knowledge and clean operations.
5. Legal and Business Benefits: By following these health-screening rules, restaurants and food businesses avoid legal issues, penalties, and license suspensions. They also earn trust from consumers who value clean, safe kitchens.

FSSAI is not just setting food rules, but it is about shaping healthier lives. From smart labels to cholesterol-safe foods and regular health checks, it empowers every consumer to eat wisely and live heart-strong. When you read, choose, and cook with care, you are not just avoiding cholesterol; you are embracing a healthier future, one meal at a time. In this article, you have learned about the role of FSSAI for cholesterol check. To get assistance and help in filing an FSSAI registration from professional experts, contact Online Legal India.