Supreme Court Directs FSSAI To Implement Front-Of-Pack Nutrition Labels On Packaged Foods

FSSAI

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to introduce clear front-of-pack nutrition labels on packaged food items.

Shiv Sena MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Milind Deora, announced this development on social media platform X.

Deora highlighted that the committee has recommended studying Singapore’s Nutri-Grade system, which uses a simple A-to-D rating to inform consumers.

He noted that the Supreme Court’s directive aims to help FSSAI expedite implementation and empower consumers to make healthier choices, addressing India’s growing obesity problem.

Government Initiatives To Promote Healthier Choices

In line with this, the Union Health Ministry has proposed placing sugar and oil warning boards in schools, offices, and public institutions to alert people about hidden fats and sugars in commonly consumed foods. These visual reminders are intended to encourage healthier dietary habits.

Deora also emphasized the importance of regulating unhealthy foods beyond multinational products to include traditional Indian snacks such as jalebis and samosas, calling stricter oversight a positive step.

This move forms part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), which targets the reduction of excessive sugar and oil intake—major contributors to lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

As chair of the parliamentary committee, Deora confirmed ongoing collaboration with FSSAI and lawmakers from various parties to ensure effective regulation and consumer protection.