Sugar, salt, fat: SC puts food labels under lens
On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to review the proposed front-of-pack labeling guidelines for packaged foods and beverages in India. The bench directed all parties to submit their final written submissions within three days. This decision could impact FSSAI's plan to display prominent warnings on products high in sugar, fat, and salt.
FSSAI has suggested implementing front-of-pack labeling for added sugar, fat, and salt in a single phase, giving companies a year to comply after finalising the regulations. During the hearing, an NGO counsel argued that thresholds for labeling should consider total sugar and fat, instead of just added sugar and fat.
FSSAI explained that classifying food as high in sugar without differentiating between naturally occurring sugars in whole foods and added sugars has limitations. The naturally occurring sugars in fruits and milk contain fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals. Additionally, FSSAI proposed adding a warning stating "Contains Non-Caloric Sweetener" on the front of the pack, rather than only on the back.
The court questioned FSSAI's timeline, stating it was unreasonable and suggested the regulator should provide a clearer definition of ultra-processed foods. FSSAI argued that consumers need to be aware of added sugar, and the Supreme Court emphasized that its order would be binding on FSSAI.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
