Front-of-pack labelling: SC seeks FSSAI response

Supreme Court Pushes for Clearer Food Labels

In a significant move for public health, the Supreme Court of India has sought a detailed response from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding the introduction of front-of-pack labelling on packaged foods.

This directive came during a hearing on a public interest litigation filed by the public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society. The petitioners are urging the government to mandate warning labels on products high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat to help consumers make better choices.

Front-of-pack labelling, often called FoP labelling, places simple, eye-catching warnings right on the front of packages, making it easier for shoppers to spot unhealthy options without flipping packets over.

The bench, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan, expressed strong dissatisfaction with FSSAI's earlier affidavit, noting that previous efforts had not led to any meaningful progress.

Background of the Public Interest Litigation

The case traces back to April 2025, when the Supreme Court initially disposed of the PIL after FSSAI assured it had formed an expert committee to study the issue.

The court had directed the committee to finalize recommendations within three months for amending the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.

However, when the matter came up again recently, FSSAI's fresh affidavit revealed ongoing delays. It mentioned plans for more research, including mapping various packaged foods, consumer surveys on label usage, and broader consultations with industry stakeholders, especially small and medium enterprises.

Despite receiving over 14,000 comments on the proposed Indian Nutrition Rating system, no consensus emerged. The court criticized this as yielding no positive results, emphasizing that the PIL addresses a core right to health for all citizens.

"The PIL was filed with a particular purpose. It raised an important issue as regards the right to health of the citizens of this country," the bench observed, underscoring the urgency of clear warnings on pre-packaged food products.

FSSAI's Plans and Global Context

FSSAI has outlined intentions to analyze global trends, conduct systematic reviews of food categories, and engage more stakeholders before deciding on a labelling format.

The court noted that front-of-pack labelling is a globally accepted practice, already in place in many countries to combat rising obesity and related diseases.

In India, where packaged foods are increasingly popular amid busy lifestyles, critics argue that back-of-pack nutrition info is often too complex and ignored by hurried shoppers.

Simple red-flag or warning symbols could alert people instantly to high levels of harmful ingredients, potentially reducing consumption of junk food.

The bench has given FSSAI four weeks to file a fresh affidavit with a concrete plan of action, listing the matter for further hearing soon. This push comes at a time when concerns over hidden sugars in even baby foods have gained attention, with some products containing up to 20% added sugar despite international versions being sugar-free.

The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the growing need for transparent food labelling to protect public health in India.

By demanding quicker action from FSSAI, the judiciary is prioritizing citizens' right to informed choices amid a surge in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart conditions linked to poor diets.

FSSAI's response in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining if mandatory FoP warnings become reality, potentially transforming how Indians shop for groceries.

This development underscores the balance between industry interests and consumer welfare, with hopes that evidence-based labels will promote healthier eating habits nationwide.

In summary, the Supreme Court has pressed FSSAI to seriously consider front-of-pack warning labels, criticizing delays and setting a four-week deadline for a plan. This step aims to empower consumers with clear information on high-sugar, salt, and fat foods, advancing the right to health.