Supreme Court

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.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Gulmarg Fashion Show: Srinagar Court To Hear Case Against Organizers On April 8

A Srinagar court has scheduled a hearing for April 8, 2025, in connection with the…

1 day ago

Gold Smuggling Case: Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Moves Sessions Court For Bail

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested last week in connection with a gold smuggling case, has…

1 day ago

“Advocates Can appear In Confiscation Proceedings Under Forest Act”: MP High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that advocates can represent clients in confiscation cases under…

1 day ago

Cement Prices Are Likely To Increase Because Of New Mineral Tax By States: Report

Cement prices across various states are expected to increase following a Supreme Court ruling that…

1 day ago

“Plaint Against Teacher By Parent, Student: First Enquiry, Then Arrest”: Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court has laid down new guidelines to protect educators from hasty arrests…

1 day ago

SC Ruling Paves Way For Visually Impaired Judges; Yavnika Shares Her Experience

Supreme Court recently opened up the doors for visually impaired candidates in judiciary by striking…

3 days ago