The Supreme Court of India has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to evaluate whether packaged food items containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats should carry clear warning labels on their front panels.
A bench comprising J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan observed that prominent front-of-pack disclosures could play a significant role in helping consumers make informed dietary decisions. The Court stressed that public health considerations must remain central while framing food labelling regulations and granted the regulator time to examine the proposal.
The direction was issued in a public interest petition highlighting the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. The petitioner contended that clearer labelling norms would alert buyers to high levels of potentially harmful ingredients and encourage healthier consumption patterns.
In response, FSSAI informed the Court that it is undertaking further studies and stakeholder consultations before finalising any revised labelling framework. The authority indicated that additional research, including consumer feedback and technical assessment, is being considered to ensure that any changes are practical and evidence-based.
The matter reflects the Court’s broader concern over diet-related health risks and the need for regulatory measures that promote transparency and protect consumer welfare.
