New Delhi: The Supreme Court has questioned the Union government on why the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is hesitant to mandate warning labels on packaged foods that contain high levels of sugar, salt and fat.
The remarks came while hearing a public interest petition seeking directions to ensure such warning labels are displayed on packaged food products sold across the country. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan.
The bench noted that while it was aware of the pressure on the regulator, public health could not be ignored. The judges also asked whether the authorities were taking the court’s directions lightly.
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Brijender Sahar said implementing warning labels on packaged foods was difficult, citing that several traditional Indian foods naturally contain higher salt or fat. The court did not accept the argument, stressing that people’s health—especially that of growing children—must take priority over business concerns.
The bench said the government should take a decision on warning labels on its own, failing which the court may have to issue directions. It granted two weeks to the Centre and FSSAI to convey a final decision and adjourned the case.
