{
  "id": 3728727,
  "title": "'Put front-of-pack food labels': SC raps Centre",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/put-front-of-pack-food-labels-sc-raps-centre",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-27T11:19:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/put-food-warning-labels-on-the-front-supreme-court-asks-centre-to-match-international-food-safety-standards-as-obesity-is-rising-among-children/articleshow/133566360.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Supreme Court has urged the Centre to implement front-of-pack warning labels for junk food, citing rising obesity rates, particularly among children. The court questioned the Centre's reluctance to align food safety standards with those of developed countries, arguing that public health cannot be compromised. India could potentially match international standards on its own, but if it fails to do so, the court may issue further directions. The court rejected the Centre's argument that India cannot match international standards, stating that India should not remain an underdeveloped country in this regard. The case stems from a PIL filed by NGOs 3S and Our HEALTH Society, seeking stronger warnings on packaged foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fat, and calories. The court emphasized that clearer nutrition information could help consumers make better food choices. The surge in obesity among children and adolescents, with overweight rates climbing from 2% in 2000 to 10% in 2022, adds urgency to the issue. India's ultra-processed food market has expanded by over 150% between 2009 and 2023. The Supreme Court's observations bring renewed attention to how packaged foods convey nutritional risks to consumers. Implementing front-of-pack warning labels would place crucial information prominently on food packages, prompting consumers to take notice. The court has tasked the Centre with evaluating whether India should adopt international food safety standards. If the government does not act, the court may issue additional directions. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's FDA has ramped up food safety checks ahead of the festive season, targeting high-fat, salty, and sugary foods in various settings, reflecting the broader regulatory focus on diet-related health concerns.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}