Now Reading: SC slams FSSAI, Centre over delay in food warning labels
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SC slams FSSAI, Centre over delay in food warning labels
The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticised the Centre and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for failing to decide on introducing front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high…
The Story in Brief
The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticised the Centre and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for failing to decide on introducing front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran heard a public interest litigation by NGO 3S and Our Health Society and warned it would pass orders if the government did not act within two weeks. The court rejected arguments that such labels would hurt manufacturers or that international nutritional standards do not apply to Indian habits. It stressed that consumers, especially children, have a right to know what they are eating. The regulator had consulted stakeholders in March, but a majority of industry bodies opposed warning labels, favouring less prominent information.
The Indian Opinion
Industry groups argue that front-of-pack warning labels would unfairly stigmatise traditional Indian foods like namkeen and that international standards do not fit local diets. The court rightly counters that public health cannot be subordinated to commercial interests, especially when lifestyle diseases kill over 6 lakh Indians every year. The real test is not two weeks from now but whether the labels that finally appear are clear octagonal warnings or diluted icons that leave shoppers guessing. Will the government prioritise informed choice or industry comfort? Watch the FSSAI's next move.
Sources (3): economictimes.indiatimes.com, greaterkashmir.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
