Supreme Court's Directive on Processed Food Regulation
The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step towards ensuring citizens' right to health by addressing the regulation of processed food products.
Directive to FSSAI
- The Court has instructed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to consider implementing mandatory front-of-package warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
- Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan have given FSSAI a four-week deadline to respond to this proposal.
Health Implications of Processed Foods
- There is substantial evidence linking sugar, salt, and saturated fats in processed foods to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
- The petitioner, NGO 3S and Our Health Society, argued that proper labeling would empower consumers to make informed choices, potentially reducing deaths from diabetes and heart ailments.
Past Court Directions
- In 2025, the Court directed an expert committee under FSSAI to recommend amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, to include front-of-package labeling.
- An extension was sought and obtained for stakeholder consultations, but by February 2026, the Court expressed dissatisfaction with FSSAI's compliance report.
Contention on Nutrition Rating
- FSSAI's proposal for an Indian Nutrition Rating model was contested by the petitioner for not aligning with global standards.
Implications of Court's Intervention
- The Court's intervention is aimed at pressuring the ultra-processed food industry to adopt these safeguards, providing consumers with crucial information.
- Consumer guidance on food content and additives is vital for informed decision-making.
Non-Communicable Diseases in India
- The 2023 ICMR-INDIAB study highlights the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in India:
- 101 million Indians (11.4% of the population) have diabetes, with 136 million more in a prediabetic state.
- Hypertension affects 35.5% (national average), abdominal obesity 39.5%, and high cholesterol 24% of the population.
Conclusion
Introducing front-of-package labelling is crucial for prevention and establishing a continuum of care, addressing the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases.
