1 hr ago
Food Processors Back Nutrition Labels, Seek Serving-Based Framework
The All India Food Processors' Association supports putting nutrition warnings on the front of packaged foods.
These labels could help people understand what they are eating.
However, the association wants the labels to use normal serving sizes instead of always measuring 100 grams.
It says people usually eat foods in portions, such as one dosa or one cup of tea.
The association also wants the rules to reflect how people in India actually eat.
It suggested studying scientific evidence and international standards before setting nutrient limits.
It said most nutrition in India comes from home-cooked, street, and unpackaged foods rather than packaged products.
The Supreme Court is considering when these labels should become mandatory.
The All India Food Processors' Association supported introducing front-of-pack nutrition labels on packaged foods.
AIFPA urged a science- and evidence-based system using regulated serving sizes and Indian consumption patterns.
It said nutrient thresholds should be assessed against Codex Alimentarius methods and per-serving reference values.
The association noted that packaged foods provide an estimated 12-15% of Indians' dietary nutrient intake.
The Supreme Court reserved its order on September 28 regarding FSSAI's proposed timeline for mandatory labeling.
- Who
- The All India Food Processors' Association made the submission, concerning the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Supreme Court.
- What
- AIFPA supported front-of-pack nutrition labels but sought a serving-size-based, science- and evidence-based framework.
- Where
- The matter is before the Supreme Court in India.
- When
- The Supreme Court reserved its order on September 28; the submission was published on October 2, 2026.
- Why
- AIFPA said serving sizes and Indian consumption patterns would provide more meaningful nutrition information and help consumers make informed dietary choices.
Key facts
- Organization
- All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA)
- Labeling proposal
- Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) for packaged foods
- Preferred basis
- Regulated serving sizes or reference amounts, alongside percentage-RDA information
- Dietary contribution cited
- Packaged foods account for approximately 12-15% of dietary nutrient intake, according to AIFPA's submission
- Other food sources
- More than 85% of nutrient intake comes from home-cooked meals, street foods, and unpackaged foods, according to the submission
- Court status
- The Supreme Court reserved its order on September 28 regarding the proposed implementation timeline
- Stakeholder input
- AIFPA called for submissions from consumer groups, public-health experts, food scientists, MSMEs, traditional-food producers, and industry stakeholders
Quotes
All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA)
Food processors’ association that filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court
“the proposed nutrient thresholds may be examined against the internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius methodology, including the Nutrient Reference Value-based, per-serving approach, while also taking account of the Indian dietary context and consumer-consumption patterns”
thehindubusinessline.com
“We believe a balanced and science-driven FOPNL framework can create a consumer with meaningful information that supports outcome by empowering consumers, encouraging continuous improvement and innovation across the food industry”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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