Don't want people to stay healthy? SC raps FSSAI over packaged food labels

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan was hearing a plea seeking warning labels that would allow consumers to quickly identify the nutritional risks associated with packaged food products. It took exception to the FSSAI's apparent reluctance over the proposal and questioned.

The court made it clear that the issue was not about targeting any particular food product or manufacturer, but ensuring that consumers have adequate information before making their purchasing choices. The Centre and FSSAI have been given two weeks to place their final decision.

What Happened

The matter relates to a PIL on front-of-pack labelling for foods containing high levels of sugar, salt and fat. The Supreme Court had earlier asked the FSSAI to examine the issue and consider appropriate measures.

• The FSSAI had earlier indicated that there was no consensus on the proposed labelling framework.

• The court also questioned why manufacturers' commercial interests should become a factor in deciding whether consumers receive such information.

• During Thursday's hearing, Additional Solicitor General Brijender Chahar, appearing for the Centre and FSSAI, argued that applying such warning labels could create difficulties because several traditional Indian foods naturally contain relatively high amounts of.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge