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Supreme Court Questions Centre Over Delay In Food Labelling Rules (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Centre over the delay in implementing mandatory warning labels on packaged food products containing high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fats. The court made it clear that consumer health, especially the health of children, cannot be compromised due to pressure from food companies.
A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), questioned the Centre and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over the steps taken to introduce front-of-pack warning labels on unhealthy food products.
During the hearing, the court expressed strong displeasure over the government’s approach and questioned whether decisions related to public health were being influenced by corporate interests.
“If you can’t do it, we will,” the bench remarked, warning that the court may issue directions if authorities fail to act on the issue. The Supreme Court observed that the matter directly concerns citizens’ health and that regulatory decisions should focus on consumer welfare rather than industry concerns.
The petitioner argued that warning labels on packaged food items would help people identify products containing excessive sugar, salt and saturated fats. Such labels, according to the petition, would allow consumers to make informed decisions while purchasing food products.
The court highlighted that manufacturers may oppose such regulations due to possible business impact, but consumers must have access to clear nutritional information before buying products.
“Manufacturers might not like it, but the consumer ought to know,” the bench observed.
The Supreme Court questioned the FSSAI’s stand, noting that its submissions appeared to focus largely on objections raised by the food industry while giving limited attention to evidence supporting warning labels.
The court asked why earlier directions on the issue had not been implemented and what steps the authorities had taken so far.
The Supreme Court has granted the Centre two weeks to take necessary action on the proposed food warning label system. The court indicated that further orders could follow if authorities fail to comply.
The case has brought renewed focus on food safety regulations, consumer awareness and the need for greater transparency in packaged food products sold across India.
