What happened (Supreme Court’s criticism of FSSAI on warning labels)
The Supreme Court criticised the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for not introducing front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods indicating sugar, salt and saturated fat levels. A Bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala questioned FSSAI on its progress after a petition seeking court directions on front-of-pack warning labels came before the court.
During the hearing, the Bench was informed that little progress had been made by FSSAI on the labelling issue. The Bench expressed displeasure at the lack of movement and used pointed language questioning whether FSSAI was treating the court’s process lightly. The Bench also asked whether the authority did not want children to grow up healthy, reflecting a concern that front-of-pack warnings can help protect children’s nutrition-related decisions.
Background and earlier position (what the petition sought)
The petition before the Supreme Court was filed by a Kerala-based non-governmental organisation (NGO). The petition sought directions for front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods to indicate sugar, salt and saturated fat levels, aiming to make nutrition risks visible at the point of purchase.
What changed now (court response to FSSAI’s progress)
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