Supreme Court seeks FSSAI response on front-of-pack labelling for packaged foods

The Supreme Court has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to respond to a proposal for introducing front-of-pack (FoP) warning labels on packaged food products that contain high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat.

Currently, packaged foods in India carry nutrition information panels on the back , which often remain complex and hard for consumers to interpret quickly . Front-of-Pack labelling, on the other hand, is a simplified, evidence-based system that allows consumers to gauge a product’s health impact at a glance , helping them make faster and healthier choices while shopping.

The matter arose during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society. The petition seeks directions to the Centre, state governments, and Union territories to make FoP labels mandatory on packaged foods.

In its affidavit to the court, the FSSAI said it plans to conduct further research and map a representative sample of packaged food products across both solid and liquid categories. It also intends to survey consumers to understand how label information is used and ensure consultations with all stakeholders, including the industry, as well as small, medium, and micro enterprises .

The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit, noting that previous exercises have not produced tangible results . “The PIL was filed with a particular purpose. It raised an important issue regarding the right to health of the citizens of this country,” the bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan observed in its order dated February 10.

The petitioners’ counsel suggested that clear warnings on the front of packages would make it easier for consumers to make informed choices quickly. The court has now asked the FSSAI to respond within four weeks , emphasizing the importance of protecting public health through accessible nutrition information.