Supreme Court questions FSSAI over food labeling delays

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its decision regarding a petition demanding mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling (FoPL) for packaged foods containing high levels of sugar, salt, and fat. The proposed labeling system uses graphic indicators to help consumers make healthier dietary choices.

During the hearing, a bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran questioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding its proposal for a 365-day period of voluntary compliance. The court expressed concern over why the regulator requires an additional year for voluntary implementation and why it seeks further stakeholder consultations for an issue that has been under consideration since 2022.

Justice Pardiwala emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the delay impacts public health. While the court acknowledged the steps taken by the FSSAI, it stressed that any forthcoming order will be binding and must be implemented in its true spirit to serve the interests of the nation and its citizens.