The Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to evaluate the implementation of Front‑Of‑Pack (FOP) warning labels on packaged food products. The move is aimed at alerting consumers to high levels of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium, which can pose significant health risks.
The directive comes as part of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) arguing that existing back‑of‑pack nutritional panels are insufficient for consumers to make informed dietary choices. The Court emphasized that consumer health must take priority over commercial interests. FSSAI has been asked to file a detailed response within four weeks.
“Front‑of-pack warnings are critical to enabling consumers to make healthier choices and to curb rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” the Court noted.
The ruling applies to all packaged food products regulated under FSSAI, including beverages, ready-to-eat meals, edible oils, and other processed foods. Consumers are encouraged to pay attention to nutritional labels and reduce consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Key Highlights
- Supreme Court asks FSSAI to consider front-of-pack warning labels.
- Aim is to alert consumers to high sugar, salt, and saturated fat content.
- Back-of-pack labeling deemed insufficient for informed choices.
- Applies to all packaged foods regulated under FSSAI.
- Public health focus: combat obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
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