Now Reading: Delhi HC notices to FSSAI, health ministry on ISMA plea against artificial sweeteners
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Delhi HC notices to FSSAI, health ministry on ISMA plea against artificial sweeteners
Delhi HC notices to FSSAI, health ministry on ISMA plea against artificial sweeteners
The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the FSSAI and four union ministries on a petition by the Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) seeking tighter regulation of non-sugar sweeteners…
The Story in Brief
The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the FSSAI and four union ministries on a petition by the Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) seeking tighter regulation of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) in food products. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma gave the respondents 15 days to file a reply; the next hearing is on September 29.
ISMA is demanding independent India-specific scientific studies on the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners, including their impact on metabolic health, cancer risk and neurological conditions. The association also wants clear warning labels and a ban on misleading marketing terms such as "Sugar Free," "Zero Sugar" and "Diet" unless they are accompanied by prominent disclosures. The court did not pass any interim order restricting NSS use.
The Indian Opinion
The sugar industry, which stands to lose if artificial sweeteners capture more of the market, is now waving the health-flag. That does not mean its concerns are baseless, several global studies have flagged risks from long-term NSS use, especially for vulnerable groups. But India lacks its own data. The real test will be whether FSSAI insists on objective, government-funded research instead of letting commercial interests drive the narrative. Who will fund the studies? That answer will tell us everything about whose health comes first.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
