Supreme Court Orders FSSAI to Implement Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Packaged Foods

In a significant move towards healthier eating habits, the Supreme Court of India has instructed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to implement Front-of-Pack nutrition labels (FOPNL) on packaged foods. The directive was highlighted by Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, who also serves as Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, through a post on the social media platform ‘X’.

According to Deora, the initiative is expected to help FSSAI act without further delays and enable Indian consumers to make informed, healthier choices—an urgent step to combat the country’s escalating obesity crisis.

Focus on Reducing Hidden Sugars and Fats

In parallel, the Union Health Ministry has proposed the installation of sugar and oil boards in public places like schools, offices, and institutions. These boards aim to visually nudge people towards healthier dietary habits by displaying information about hidden fats and sugars present in everyday foods.

Highlighting the broader scope of the effort, Deora emphasized the need to also regulate popular Indian snacks like jalebis and samosas, which are typically high in sugar and oil. “Placing greater stringent regulations on unhealthy foods like jalebi and samosa is a welcome step,” he noted.

Supporting National Health Goals

These measures form part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), which focuses on encouraging sustainable lifestyle changes to reduce excessive intake of sugar and oil. Such consumption patterns have been linked to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related disorders in India.

As the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee continues to work closely with FSSAI, experts hope the prompt rollout of FOPNL and related initiatives will mark a turning point in the country’s fight against diet-related health challenges.

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