Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to examine the feasibility of front-of-pack warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, calling it a globally accepted public health practice.
A bench asked the food regulator to submit a status report within four weeks, signalling that India may move towards clearer, more prominent nutritional warnings for consumers.
The court observed that simple, visible labels can help people make informed dietary choices and curb the rising burden of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Several countries, including Chile, Mexico, and parts of Europe, already mandate such warning labels on packaged foods.
If implemented, the policy could require food companies to prominently display warnings on packaged snacks, beverages, and ultra-processed foods, potentially reshaping India’s food labelling regime and consumer awareness landscape.
-OdishaAge
