Supreme Court Asks FSSAI To Clarify Stand On Front-of-Pack Warning Labels For Junk Food
Supreme Court Asks FSSAI To Clarify Stand On Front-of-Pack Warning Labels For Junk Food
New Delhi, February 16, 2026: The Supreme Court of India has sought a detailed response from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on a proposal to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat.
A Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and V. Viswanathan was hearing a public interest petition filed by charitable organisations 3S and Our Health Society. The plea urges the Centre, states and Union Territories to require prominent warning labels on the front of packaged food products to help consumers quickly identify unhealthy ingredients.
Front-of-pack (FoP) labelling is designed as a simplified nutritional display placed on the front of packaging, enabling buyers to make informed choices at a glance.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, the FSSAI stated that it plans to undertake further scientific study, including mapping a representative range of packaged solid and liquid food items. The regulator also informed the Bench that it intends to conduct consumer behaviour surveys and broaden consultations with stakeholders, including industry representatives and small and medium enterprises.
The court, however, indicated that the steps outlined so far did not reflect concrete progress. In its February 10 order, the Bench observed that the petition raises significant concerns related to citizens’ right to health and emphasized the importance of addressing the issue in a time-bound manner.
The petitioners have argued that packaged foods containing excessive amounts of unhealthy ingredients should carry clear and visible warnings on the front of their wrappers.
The apex court has directed the FSSAI to submit its response within four weeks.
