PIL in SC Seeks Mandatory Warning Labels on Packaged Foods

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court, urging the implementation of front-side warning labels on packaged food items to display their salt, sugar, and fat levels.

The petition, submitted by the organisation ‘3S and Our Health Society’ through Advocate Rajiv Shankar Dvivedi, emphasizes the growing incidence of diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases in India.

The plea highlights the necessity for the Central government to mandate such labels, citing the scientific community’s warning about the “dangerous D connection” between increased junk food consumption and a heightened risk of diabetes, cancers, heart diseases, high blood pressure, mental health issues, and premature deaths. It argues that the aggressive marketing of unhealthy products contributes to weight gain and increased intake of sugars, salt, and saturated fats.

The petition underscores that front-of-package labelling (FOPL) would empower consumers to make informed dietary choices, thereby reducing the harmful effects of food marketed by large corporations.

“It enables citizens to easily identify and understand the nutritional content and harmful ingredients present in packaged food and beverages, thereby making healthier choices,” the plea states.

Although the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has acknowledged the importance of FOPL, the petition stresses the need to expedite regulations mandating the use of warning labels in prominent positions on packaging.

By clearly indicating the excessive presence of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats, such labels would allow consumers to easily identify unhealthy food items and make better dietary decisions.

“Warning labels act as a deterrent for excessive consumption and contribute towards raising public awareness about the adverse health consequences associated with consuming such products,” it asserts.

The petitioner also mentioned that a written request was made to the Union Health Ministry seeking expedited directions in this regard, but no action has been taken so far.

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