The Supreme Court has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to consider introducing mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged food products high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. The court observed that such regulatory measures are essential to safeguard citizens’ right to health.
A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan directed the food regulator to place on record, within four weeks, its response examining the proposal to introduce labelling norms mandating front-of-package warnings on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat — substances widely associated with lifestyle ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
“....we want the authority to take this aspect into consideration. The suggestion is that on the wrapper/packet of any pre-packaged food product, there must be a warning in the form of front-of-package labelling. FOPL is something which is internationally prevalent. Let the authority revert to us within a period of four weeks”, the Bench recorded in its order dated February 10, 2025.
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The top court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by 3S and Our Health Society, a non-profit organisation, seeking directions to mandate FOPL for food products containing high levels of sugar, salt or unhealthy fats. The court was apprised that such disclosures would enable consumers to make informed purchasing choices and help address the alarming rise in deaths linked to diabetes and heart ailments.
