2 weeks ago
Supreme Court Slams FSSAI Over Packaged Food Warning Label Delay
The judges of the highest court in India were very upset with a health office called FSSAI.
FSSAI is in charge of making sure packaged food is safe.
The court had earlier asked FSSAI to put warning labels on food packets.
These labels would tell people if the food has too much sugar, salt, or fat.
The judges said FSSAI was taking too long to do it.
They asked a government lawyer, "Are you taking the court for a toss?"
This meant they felt FSSAI was not taking them seriously.
The judges said the labels are important to protect children who love junk food.
Too much sugar, salt, and fat can cause diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
Many people in India get sick from these foods, so the court wants action.
The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed FSSAI over the delay in introducing mandatory front-of-package warning labels on packaged foods.
Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran asked Additional Solicitor General Brijender Chahar, "Are you taking the court for a toss?"
The court was hearing a PIL filed by public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society seeking directions to implement the labels.
The plea argued FOPL labels would alert consumers to high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fats linked to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
Non-communicable diseases reportedly cause over 6 million deaths annually in India, with diabetes affecting nearly one in four Indians.
- Who
- Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran of the Supreme Court of India, FSSAI, Additional Solicitor General Brijender Chahar, and petitioners 3S and Our Health Society.
- What
- The Supreme Court criticized FSSAI over the delay in introducing mandatory front-of-package warning labels on packaged foods and demanded progress on its earlier order.
- Where
- New Delhi, India (Supreme Court of India).
- When
- Thursday, during a hearing of the public interest litigation.
- Why
- To warn consumers, especially children, about high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fats that contribute to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Key facts
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran
- Regulatory body criticized
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Petitioners
- 3S and Our Health Society (public charitable trust)
- Issue
- Delay in mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged foods
- NCD deaths in India
- Over 6 million annually
- Diabetes prevalence
- Nearly one in four Indians affected
- Location
- New Delhi, India
Quotes
Additional Solicitor General Brijender Chahar
Government lawyer
“Are you taking the court for a toss? We are doing this in public interest. Keep it in mind. We are not doing it for ourselves. Why are you not abiding by our order? We know the pressure on you. Will you do it on your own or should we pass an order?”
deccanchronicle.com
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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