Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on August 13 criticised the Central Government and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for delaying to implement front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products containing high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
The top court said public health, particularly that of children, cannot be compromised.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran questioned the Centre’s reluctance to adopt stricter nutritional warnings despite earlier directions from the court and warned that it would step in with further orders if the government failed to act.
“We are concerned with the health of citizens, especially growing children,” the bench observed, directing the Additional Solicitor General appearing for the Centre to ensure compliance with the court’s directions.
The court also asked whether the government was yielding to pressure from corporate interests and sought details of the steps taken so far on the issue.
“Do you not want the people of this country to remain healthy, especially growing children?” the bench asked the FSSAI.
The court noted that while consumers are generally aware that packaged foods contain sugar, fat and carbohydrates, a clear warning on the front of the packet would help them make informed choices before purchasing these products.
Rejecting concerns that warning labels could harm manufacturers’ businesses, the apex court said the final decision on whether to buy a product rests with consumers. It stressed that commercial interests cannot override public health considerations.
“This concerns the health of citizens. Manufacturers cannot dictate policy in such matters,” the court said, adding that its objective was not to target any particular product but to ensure that consumers are fully aware of what they are consuming.
