Don't want people to stay healthy? SC raps FSSAI over packaged food labels

The Supreme Court questioned the FSSAI over delaying warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. The bench said consumers, especially children, must get clear nutritional information despite industry concerns.The SC slammed the FSSAI over delaying warning labels on packaged foods. (AI-generated image)The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply questioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over hesitating to introduce warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, asking whether the regulator did not want people to stay healthy and if it was giving in to pressure from the food industry.A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan was hearing a plea seeking warning labels that would allow consumers to quickly identify the nutritional risks associated with packaged food products.It took exception to the FSSAI's apparent reluctance over the proposal and questioned why a measure aimed at improving public awareness was being delayed.“Are you taking the court for a toss?” the Bench asked, while alleging that pressure from food manufacturers could be influencing the regulator's approach. The court made it clear that the issue was not about targeting any particular food product or manufacturer, but ensuring that consumers have adequate information before making their purchasing choices."What have you done so far? We know the pressure on you. Will you do it on your own or should we pass an order?" the bench queried. The Centre and FSSAI have been given two weeks to place their final decision on the issue before the Supreme Court.The matter relates to a PIL on front-of-pack labelling for foods containing high levels of sugar, salt and fat. The Supreme Court had earlier asked the FSSAI to examine the issue and consider appropriate measures.During Thursday's hearing, Additional Solicitor General Brijender Chahar, appearing for the Centre and FSSAI, argued that applying such warning labels could create difficulties because several traditional Indian foods naturally contain relatively high amounts of salt or fat.Failing to be convinced, the bench asked, "You don’t want people of this country to remain healthy? More particularly growing children?"The court also questioned why manufacturers' commercial interests should become a factor in deciding whether consumers receive such information.“Manufacturers may not like this because it may affect their business,” the Bench observed, while pointing out that consumers would still retain the choice of whether to buy a product carrying a warning.The FSSAI had earlier indicated that there was no consensus on the proposed labelling framework.Its expert committee considered the Indian Nutrition Rating system and received more than 14,000 comments from stakeholders, after which further research and consultations were being considered.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 13:27 IST