.jpg)
The Court requested a report from the FSSAI within four weeks, noting that front-of-pack labeling is a widely recognized practice.
In a recent case [3S And Our Health Society vs. Union of India & Anr.], the Supreme Court requested that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) look into adding front-of-pack warning signs to packaged food goods that contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
While reviewing a compliance affidavit submitted by FSSAI in a public interest litigation (PIL) pertaining to Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling (FoPNL), a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan made the recommendation.
The Court stated that no real progress had been made in putting in place a clear and efficient front-of-pack labeling system, despite previous directives, and expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit that was entered into the record. It noted that the matter brought up in the PIL pertains to citizens' rights to health and needs careful consideration.
In order to implement the required changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, the Court ordered the expert committee established by the FSSAI to complete its recommendations within three months of the Court's decision in April 2025.
The Court reviewed the new affidavit submitted by FSSAI when the matter was reopened this week to evaluate compliance.
There was no agreement on the suggested format, despite the fact that an expert group had discussed the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) system and received feedback from more than 14,000 stakeholders, according to the affidavit. It also stated that before making a final decision, more research, stakeholder participation, and a review of worldwide trends were being considered.
The Bench emphasized that the PIL had been brought with a clear public health purpose, but noted that the exercise thus far had not produced any "positive or good result."
The idea made during the hearing that food products in packaging should have a clear notice on the front of the box stating if the product includes high amounts of sugar, salt, or saturated fat was also noted by the Court.
The concept, as addressed in court, was that instead of being hidden in small print on the back of the packaging, such information should be immediately apparent to customers.
This kind of front-of-pack labeling is common throughout the world and is meant to help people make quick and simple nutritional decisions, according to the Bench.
When creating the labels, the Court requested that the FSSAI take into account the example below.
This website is all about sharing knowledge and updating everything about Law.
