FSSAI open to stricter warning labels

India's food safety regulator, the FSSAI, has expressed openness to implementing stricter warning labels on food products compared to the earlier proposed two-phase approach, according to a recent Supreme Court hearing. The regulator, which has been under scrutiny for its delayed implementation of proposed measures, has proposed initial red-colored hexagonal labels for products exceeding limits in at least two of three categories: added sugar, salt, or saturated fat.

However, the regulator's lawyer suggested that a two-phased approach could be rolled out simultaneously, meaning products high in even one nutrient could carry a warning label. Health experts have criticized the two-nutrient approach, stating it allows many products to avoid scrutiny. The food industry has raised concerns over the proposed labelling regime, arguing that many staples could carry warning labels and negatively affect Indian food's global image.

The industry has advocated for a per-serving measurement rather than the proposed 100-gram benchmark, citing that "nobody can eat 100 grams of pickle." The Supreme Court, led by Justice JB Pardiwala, has emphasized the importance of the cause, stating that everyone should contribute to the health of people, especially growing children. The court has asked all parties to submit their suggestions on the matter by September 28.