India’s food regulator told the Supreme Court on Thursday that it is open to adopting stricter food labelling measures than those proposed earlier, following criticism that its two-phased approach could delay warning labels.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) last month proposed initial red-coloured hexagonal warning labels for products exceeding limits in at least two of three categories, added sugar, salt or saturated fat. It had proposed making the labels stricter in the second phase.Also Read: Front-of-pack labels: Food Inc bats for per-serving benchmark in SC, not FSSAI’s ‘per 100 gm’ planDuring the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the regulator on why it was taking a two-phased approach, which activists had described as too lenient. The FSSAI said it was open to implementing stricter labels from the outset, including warning labels on products high in only one ingredient.“We are concerned about the health of people especially growing children. Everyone should come forward in this cause which is in the national interest,” said a bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala.The court has asked all parties to study the order to be passed later in the day and submit their suggestions on September 28, the next date of hearing.(With inputs from agencies)