Food Labels Alone Aren’t Enough, Says Supreme Court
What Happened
The Supreme Court questioned FSSAI's proposed front-of-pack warning labels for foods high in sugar, salt and fat, asking why artificial preservatives, emulsifiers and other additives are not covered. The court warned that companies could reduce sugar, salt or fat to avoid warning labels while increasing the use of other chemicals to maintain taste, texture and shelf life. It directed the regulator to consider corresponding rules for such additives as it finalizes the labeling framework.
Key Takeaways
The court's intervention could lead to stricter food labeling rules in India, expanding the focus beyond sugar, salt and fat to include additives and preservatives that consumers currently receive little warning about.