Supreme Court slams FSSAI for not introducing front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products

On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India leveled harsh criticism at the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for failing to implement front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products that highlight sugar, salt, and saturated fat levels. The judicial inquiry was prompted by a legal petition filed by a Kerala-based non-governmental organization, 3S and Our Health Society, advocating for the mandatory introduction of such labeling.

The court's scrutiny centered on a query from Justice J.B. Pardiwala, questioning whether the FSSAI was intentionally avoiding measures to promote children's health. The Additional Solicitor General, Brijender Chahar, responded to the court's concerns regarding the lack of progress on the labeling issue, asserting that the organization was acting in the public interest and not solely for its own benefit.

Chahar also acknowledged the challenges faced by the FSSAI, acknowledging that one-third of enterprises in India rely on traditional food items, some of which are categorized as unhealthy. The court emphasized the importance of addressing children's health concerns, expressing frustration at the FSSAI's response. The FSSAI had previously submitted an affidavit claiming that front-of-pack labeling adhered to international practices and offered simplified nutritional information to consumers.