1 hr ago
FSSAI Open to Single-Phase Food Warning Labels
FSSAI told the Supreme Court it could implement both proposed warning-label phases at once.
The current proposal would initially warn products exceeding limits for at least two of three nutrients: added sugar, salt or saturated fat.
The court questioned why products high in only one nutrient should wait for a later phase.
Petitioners argued that excessive levels of any one nutrient can independently create health risks, especially for children.
Food industry representatives supported front-of-pack labels but sought scientifically robust, proportionate and practical criteria.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Supreme Court, petitioners and food-processing industry representatives.
- What
- The court is considering how India should implement front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in added sugar, salt or saturated fat.
- Where
- Before the Supreme Court of India.
- When
- The issue was heard on Thursday, with the matter posted for September 28 for responses to the court’s order.
- Why
- The court questioned whether requiring excesses in two nutrients could leave products dangerously high in only one nutrient without a warning, particularly affecting public health and children.
Health advocates and petitioners
Food-processing industry
When should a warning be triggered?
Health advocates and petitioners
A product dangerously high in even one of the specified nutrients should receive a warning because sugar, salt and saturated fat can independently pose health risks.
Food-processing industry
The industry has raised concerns about the proposed criteria and wants a scientifically robust, proportionate, India-specific and practical system.
How should products be assessed?
Health advocates and petitioners
Petitioners questioned the proposed use of added sugar and referred to the 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians issued by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.
Food-processing industry
Industry representatives questioned the use of both a 100-gram test and a serving-size test, citing differing approaches in ICMR guidance and international practices.
Role of warning symbols
Health advocates and petitioners
Prominent warnings could help consumers identify products with potentially unhealthy nutrient levels.
Food-processing industry
The All India Food Processors Association said front-of-pack labelling should inform consumers about nutrients rather than brand foods with prominent warning symbols.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Proposed label
- Red, hexagonal front-of-pack warning label
- Nutrients covered
- Added sugar, salt and saturated fat
- Original trigger
- Exceeding prescribed limits in at least two of the three nutrient categories during the first phase
- Possible change
- FSSAI said both phases could be implemented in one go
- Court concern
- The Supreme Court emphasized public health, particularly the health of growing children
- Next step
- The court is expected to issue a detailed written order
Quotes
Justice J.B. Pardiwala
Supreme Court judge who questioned FSSAI’s two-nutrient warning trigger
“We are concerned with the health of people, more particularly growing children.”
firstpost.com
“It has to be sugar and salt. Only then will you ask them to put a label?”
firstpost.com
Sources
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