# FSSAI proposes single-phase food warning labels, one-year transition 2026-09-23T20:46:41+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets FSSAI has told the Supreme Court it will adopt a single-phase implementation of front-of-pack warning labels, requiring products high in added sugar, added fat or salt to carry red hexagon warnings from 1 July 2027. Food businesses will get a one-year transition after the notification date. The regulator proposed thresholds based on ICMR-NIN values, covering single nutrients as well as multiple ones within one hexagon. But a study commissioned by former FSSAI chief Pawan Kumar Agarwal, who has intervened in the case, found 94% of packaged foods would exceed at least one threshold under the proposed limits. Agarwal urged the court to mandate a phased rollout with interim thresholds tightened over three to five years. The matter is listed for 28 September. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The two reports converge on FSSAI’s single-phase FoPL plan with a 2027 compliance date, but frame the timing differently. The economic times story leads with former chief Pawan Kumar Agarwal’s study warning that 94% of products would be flagged, arguing that mass-labelling undermines the warning system and pushing phased thresholds as a court-favoured middle path. The health vertical report leads with FSSAI’s stated policy, single-phase, one-year transition, no phasing, and omits the 94% figure. The omission is notable: FSSAI’s position appears more straightforward without the data that would frame its own thresholds as potentially impractical. The court hearing on 28 September will test whether the regulator can defend a single-phase start against data showing near-universal triggers. ## Coverage - economictimes.indiatimes.com (government critical) Leads with former chief's critical study showing 94% would be labelled, urges phased rollout via SC intervention - health.economictimes.indiatimes.com (pro government) Leads with FSSAI's single-phase plan and transition timeline, omits 94% figure Tags: Food Future Foundation, front-of-pack labelling, FSSAI, Pawan Kumar Agarwal, Supreme Court of India Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/94-of-packaged-foods-may-get-warning-labels-ex-fssai-chief-tells-sc/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/94-of-packaged-foods-may-get-warning-labels-ex-fssai-chief-tells-sc/#story-in-brief