Key Updates

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to consider introducing nutrition education in schools and questioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) about several aspects of its proposed front-of-pack warning labels (FoPL) for packaged foods.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran said children remain particularly vulnerable to uninformed dietary choices. The bench asked the Centre to explain how schools could teach students to understand food labels and nutritional information.

Court Seeks Clarity on Warning Criteria

The bench questioned FSSAI’s proposal to introduce FoPL in two phases. The first phase would cover foods high in two or more nutrients of concern, while the second would cover products high in one nutrient.

The court said FSSAI should not leave the second phase without a definite timeline. It asked the regulator to set a clear, scientifically justified timeline or consider introducing warnings based on nutrient levels, starting with products containing the highest amounts.  The Centre has also told the court that it is open to making red warnings mandatory for foods high in sugar, salt or fat, even when only one nutrient exceeds the prescribed limit.

Questions Over Label Design

The court questioned FSSAI’s proposed red hexagon warnings, including their size, font, placement and colour. It asked whether the warnings should match the size of the package and whether red remains the most suitable colour.

The bench also questioned whether text alone would effectively communicate risks across India’s diverse population. It suggested adding pictorial symbols and using separate symbols for individual nutrients.

Court Flags Possible Reformulation Risks

The Supreme Court also asked FSSAI to examine whether reducing sugar, salt and fat could push manufacturers to increase their use of preservatives, emulsifiers and other additives to maintain taste, texture and shelf life.

The court also sought clarity on whether the proposed thresholds should consider total or added sugar and fat. It asked how manufacturers would account for trans fat and specific sweetened beverages. FSSAI must file an affidavit answering 13 questions within 10 days. The Supreme Court will hear the matter next on September 28.

The proceedings stem from a PIL seeking mandatory front-of-pack warnings for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. The court said such warnings could help consumers make informed choices and encourage healthier reformulation, particularly for children.

Source: Hindustan Times