Strengthening Nutrition Governance: Supreme Court Push for Front-of-Pack Labelling by FSSAI

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to consider introducing mandatory Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FOPL) on packaged food products high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. The direction comes in the backdrop of increasing concerns over rising lifestyle diseases and the need for stronger preventive public health measures.

Background and Public Health Context

India is witnessing a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:

• Obesity
• Type-2 Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular diseases

Excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats is a major contributing factor.

Currently, nutritional details are printed on the back of food packages in small fonts, limiting effective consumer awareness. Public health experts argue that simplified and visible warnings on the front of packages can significantly influence consumer behaviour and reduce unhealthy consumption patterns.

About the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Mandate

To regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Standards Development: Formulates science-based standards for food products.
• Licensing and Registration: Manages licensing of food business operators across India.
• Surveillance and Monitoring: Conducts inspections and compliance audits.
• Food Imports Regulation: Monitors quality and safety of imported food products.
• Laboratory Accreditation: Accredits food testing laboratories nationwide.
• Consumer Awareness: Promotes nutrition literacy through initiatives such as Eat Right India.

Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL)

Front-of-Pack Labelling refers to simplified nutrition warnings prominently displayed on the front of packaged food items.

Objective

To provide quick and clear information regarding high levels of:

• Sugar
• Salt
• Saturated fat
• Total calories

Possible Formats

• Warning symbols
• Traffic light colour coding
• Bold textual alerts
• Star-rating systems

The goal is to ensure consumers can understand nutritional risks instantly without interpreting complex data tables.

Global Practices

Several countries have implemented front-of-pack labelling systems:

• Chile: Black warning symbols on unhealthy products
• Mexico: Mandatory warning labels for high sugar and sodium
• United Kingdom: Traffic light colour system
• Australia and New Zealand: Health Star Rating

Studies indicate that such labelling improves consumer awareness and encourages product reformulation by manufacturers.

Legal and Policy Dimensions

The Supreme Court’s direction strengthens the link between:

• Right to Health under Article 21
• Consumer Right to Information

If implemented, FSSAI may need to amend its packaging and labelling regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The move aligns with India’s preventive healthcare approach and broader nutrition security objectives.

Concerns and Challenges

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns such as:

• Increased compliance costs
• Potential reduction in sales
• Oversimplification of nutritional complexity
• Impact on traditional and small-scale food producers

There is also debate regarding the design, thresholds, and scientific benchmarks for warning labels.

Significance

• Strengthens preventive public health governance
• Empowers consumers through transparent information
• Encourages healthier product reformulation
• Reduces long-term healthcare burden
• Aligns India with global food regulation standards

Mandatory front-of-pack labelling could represent a major shift towards nutrition-focused regulatory policy in India.