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Why India’s Supreme Court is stepping into your snack aisle
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Thursday, 24 April, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Ashwin Bhadri
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In a landmark development for the food industry, the Supreme Court of India has recently directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to submit a report on the implementation of warning labels on packaged food products.
The labels are intended to clearly indicate the levels of sugar, salt and fat, substances that are closely linked to the rising lifestyle diseases in the country. This move has the potential to change the way businesses, consumers and policymakers view food labelling, marking a significant shift in the food industry. But what does this mean for food manufacturers and what impact will it have on consumers?
The petition for front-of-package warning labels was filed by a non-profit organisation, which advocates for healthier food choices for the Indian population. The case was driven by a concern that the food available to consumers today often contains high amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats – ingredients that contribute significantly to the increasing prevalence of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. These conditions have become more common in India, partly due to the adoption of Western-style diets and sedentary lifestyles.
At the heart of the case is the idea that consumers should be able to make informed decisions about what they put into their bodies. Right now, food labels are often buried in the fine print, with nutritional information tucked away somewhere on the back or side of the packaging. This makes it difficult for the average shopper to understand exactly what’s in their food. With rising awareness of the links between diet and health, consumers want more transparency. They want to know not just the ingredients, but also whether the food they are buying is contributing to the health challenges they are trying to avoid. The petitioners argued that by adding clear warning labels for high sugar, salt and fat content, the food industry could help consumers make healthier choices and, ultimately, reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is therefore significant in more ways than one. In its directive, the Court has told FSSAI to come up with a report on the feasibility and potential implications of introducing these warning labels. This includes detailing how the food industry could implement these changes, what types of labels could be used, and how it would affect food manufacturers and retailers. It’s a move that reflects growing concern over public health, and one that signals that government bodies are now more willing to step in to regulate the food industry where necessary.
In response to the petition and the Court’s order, FSSAI has noted that it is already in the process of considering new regulations. In fact, FSSAI introduced a draft proposal in 2022 for a rating system known as the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR). The INR would use a star-rating system to indicate the nutritional quality of packaged food, with the aim of making it easier for consumers to identify healthy options. But while this is a positive development, it doesn’t yet go as far as the type of front-of-package warning labels that are being called for by the petitioners.
The INR system, which would be voluntary, is expected to come into effect after public feedback and discussions. The concern with the star-rating system is that it may not be sufficient to prompt the kind of immediate change needed to address health concerns, especially since it won’t be mandatory for all products. However, the suggestion for mandatory warning labels of high sugar, salt and fat content has the potential to send a stronger message to both consumers and manufacturers. These labels could act as a stark reminder for consumers about the potential health risks associated with eating foods high in certain harmful ingredients.
From a business perspective, this shift in regulations could be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it is likely to lead to increased transparency and help food businesses differentiate their products based on nutritional quality. Brands that have already taken steps to reduce sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in their products could find themselves in a favourable position, especially if they are able to display positive labelling that indicates their commitment to consumer health. On the other hand, businesses that have relied on cheap, high-sugar or high-fat products may face significant challenges. These companies may need to reformulate their products to comply with the new regulations and avoid facing the stigma that comes with high warning labels.
While some businesses may view these changes as a challenge, there are also opportunities to innovate. For instance, food manufacturers could look into using healthier alternatives to sugar and salt, or explore new ingredients that offer a healthier profile. It could also lead to a surge in the demand for healthier food products, something which many businesses are already tapping into. With the right investments in R&D, food companies could develop new products that appeal to the growing health-conscious segment of the market.
However, it’s also important to note that the impact of this ruling will likely extend beyond just food manufacturers. It will require a cultural shift in how consumers view food. The fact that high sugar, salt and fat content will be prominently displayed on packaging means that consumers will be forced to pay closer attention to what they’re buying. This could be a positive change, as it encourages people to think more critically about their food choices. But it also raises concerns about how consumers will respond to these labels.
The potential benefits of this ruling, however, are clear. Lifestyle diseases in India are on the rise, and the need for a transparent food labelling system is greater than ever. By introducing mandatory warning labels for high sugar, salt and fat content, the government is taking a critical step in the right direction. This is a move that not only empowers consumers but also places the responsibility on food manufacturers to ensure that their products are nutritionally sound.
The next few months will be crucial as FSSAI works to implement the necessary changes. As a food business, it’s important to stay updated on the developments in this case and prepare for any potential regulatory shifts. Whether it’s reformulating products or adapting labelling strategies, businesses that can stay ahead of the curve will be better positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of food regulation in India.
(The author is CEO at Equinox Labs)
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