India food labelling dispute reaches Supreme Court

The Indian Supreme Court is reviewing a decision by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to abandon plans for prominent, colorful front-of-pack nutritional warnings on packaged foods. The regulator instead proposed a black-and-white table detailing sugar, fat, and salt content, arguing that international warning systems may not suit the flavor profiles of Indian cuisine.

Health activists have challenged this move, citing the need to combat rising obesity rates. A study in The Lancet suggests that approximately 450 million Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050. The dispute has drawn scrutiny toward major food and beverage companies, including Coca-Cola and Nestlé, regarding how they communicate nutritional risks to consumers.

While some industry executives have resisted the changes, arguing that labels could be confusing, biscuit manufacturer Parle has expressed support for the FSSAI’s approach. Parle Products Vice President Mayank Shah stated that transparent and authentic claims are a “welcome move” that helps consumers make informed choices. Parle noted it has already been working for years to reduce sugar, fat, and sodium across its portfolio.