In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has granted an extension to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to submit its detailed report on the implementation of mandatory front-of-pack labelling on packaged food items.
The decision comes as part of an ongoing public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at making food labelling more transparent and consumer-friendly. The court had earlier directed FSSAI to file a status report outlining steps taken to introduce warning labels or color-coded symbols on high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods.
During the latest hearing, the apex court acknowledged FSSAI’s ongoing consultations with stakeholders, including industry bodies and health experts, and approved the regulatory authority’s request for more time. The bench, led by Justice Hima Kohli, noted that food safety is a public health priority and regulatory action must be both swift and well-informed.
Why Front-of-Pack Labels Matter
Front-of-pack (FOP) labelling is designed to alert consumers at a glance if a product contains excessive sugar, salt, or saturated fats—often linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Countries like Chile, Mexico, and the UK have already adopted such systems. In India, health experts have long advocated for mandatory warning labels to curb rising lifestyle-related illnesses.
FSSAI’s Current Stand
FSSAI has been working on finalizing the draft regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act and is currently evaluating responses from food manufacturers and nutrition scientists. Its aim is to strike a balance between public health protection and industry feasibility.
The authority stated that any finalized regulation would be implemented in a phased manner, with clear timelines and guidelines for compliance.
Industry Response and Legal Push
While several consumer rights groups have praised the court’s involvement, parts of the food industry have expressed concern about cost implications and confusion due to overlapping regulations. However, the Supreme Court emphasized that public interest and informed consumer choice must take precedence.
The next hearing is scheduled in the coming weeks, by which time the FSSAI is expected to present a detailed action plan.
