In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to explain why the rollout of mandatory warning labels on packaged foods has been delayed. The bench, hearing a public‑interest petition, highlighted that the labels – intended to alert consumers to high levels of sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans‑fat – were expected to be in force across the country but have not yet been implemented.
Petitioners argue that the absence of clear warnings hampers informed choices, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and low‑income families. The court noted that the government had previously set a timeline for the labelling regime, yet the FSSAI has not provided a concrete schedule for compliance.
FSSAI officials, appearing before the judges, cited technical and logistical challenges, including the need to redesign packaging and coordinate with manufacturers spread across the nation. They assured the court that steps are being taken to address the bottlenecks, but did not specify a definitive date for full implementation.
The Supreme Court emphasised that public health considerations cannot be postponed and directed the agency to submit a detailed action plan within a short period. It also warned that continued delay could invite further judicial intervention.
Consumer‑rights groups welcomed the court’s intervention, saying that clear labelling is a crucial tool in combating rising rates of diet‑related diseases. They urged the FSSAI to fast‑track the process and ensure that all packaged foods carry the prescribed warnings before the next fiscal year.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: The Hindu National