New Delhi: Taking a firm stance on public health and food safety, the Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to consult experts and decide on implementing Front of Package Labelling for packaged food items within two weeks. The highest court emphasised that consumers, especially children, must be empowered to make healthier dietary choices.
According to reports, the court noted that uniform labeling options could include colour coded indicators, symbols, letters, numbers, or percentage based details. These labels are designed to alert buyers about the excessive quantities of sugar, salt, and saturated fat present in packaged foods. The bench strictly warned that if the government fails to take a clear decision within the given two week timeframe, the court will be compelled to issue further directives.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court strongly criticised the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for delaying the introduction of warning labels. As covered by The Economic Times, the bench raised concerns about the rising burden of obesity and lifestyle related diseases, pointing out that children are increasingly attracted to unhealthy junk food.
The Centre argued that adopting strict international labeling methods used in developed countries might be difficult in India, as traditional Indian foods could attract red warnings due to their salt and fat content. However, the bench rejected this argument. It cited international examples like Chile, Israel, and Canada, asserting that India should not remain behind and must establish high public health standards.
The Right to Health bench directly linked proper food labeling to constitutional rights. The court stated that Article 21 of the Constitution protects the fundamental right to life and health, while Article 47 places a direct responsibility on the state to improve public health and nutrition.
A public interest litigation had highlighted the alarming rise of non communicable diseases in the country, arguing that clear labels are a highly practical tool to guide consumers. According to LiveMint, the court clarified that its goal is not to ban any specific product, but to ensure that consumers have adequate information before making a purchase.
The Supreme Court will resume hearing the matter on September 10, 2026.