The central food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will soon issue guidelines to regulate salt, sugar and fat in all Indian food products sold or served at eating joints and has also constituted an expert group to look into this matter.

"The adverse effects of junk food - usually high in fat, sugar and salt content are a matter of serious concern," FSSAI officials said.

The Delhi High Court has directed the FSSAI to issue directions or guidelines on the subject with respect to school going children.

"While the said guidelines are being issued separately, it has been observed that the subject needs deeper examination. It has, therefore, been decided to constitute an expert group on salt, sugar and fat in food products in India." FSSAI said in its latest order.

The 11-member expert panel formed by FSSAI comprises doctors, dietitians and others from AIIMS, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and various other institutions.

"The panel will recommend FSSAI on prescriptions of regulations for display of fat, sugar and salt on food products sold and served in eating joints or catering facilities," the order said.

The order was in light of the case by the Uday Foundation, an NGO that has been campaigning against junk food in India.

The Union health ministry has also come up with separate guidelines for junk food. According to doctors, the excess fat, carbohydrates, and processed sugar found in junk food contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, and many other chronic health conditions. A number of countries have adopted, or are considering, various forms of legislated action to curb junk food consumption.

On June 5, the FSSAI had banned Nestle's Maggi saying it was 'unsafe and hazardous' after tests found presence of lead and Monosodium glutamate above permissible limits.

Nestle India had also withdrawn the instant noodles brand from the market. Following the Maggi fiasco, FSSAI had ordered testing of noodles, pastas and macaroni brands such as Top Ramen, Foodles and Wai Wai sold and manufactured by seven companies, to check compliance with the norms.