FSSAI's Prolonged Delay on Food Warning Labels Draws Supreme Court Scrutiny
After nearly eight years of deliberations, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has still not finalized crucial regulations for front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) on packaged foods. This delay persists despite mounting evidence linking the consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) to a surge in non-communicable diseases across the country.
Supreme Court Petition and FSSAI's Response
In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court on March 13, 2024, FSSAI requested an additional six weeks to formulate a proposal regarding the labeling of HFSS foods. This response came in light of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in May 2024, which emphasized the fundamental right to health for all citizens. The Supreme Court, in its order dated February 10, expressed clear dissatisfaction, stating that the extensive exercises conducted so far have "not yielded any positive or good result."
History of Consultations and Stakeholder Divisions
The journey toward these regulations began with FSSAI's first draft in 2018, followed by multiple rounds of stakeholder consultations. A significant consultation in February 2022 highlighted a stark divide: all 17 industry associations advocated for a star-rating system, while consumer organizations unanimously demanded warning labels. Subsequently, the amended draft of the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations 2020 garnered over 14,000 public comments, leading to the formation of an expert committee for analysis.
Further consultations were held in May 2025 across Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, engaging food business operators and other stakeholders. By October 2025, the food industry had submitted 430 representations to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, voicing "serious concerns on the draft notification." A parliamentary committee also reviewed the matter in December 2025, hearing from various industry associations and stakeholders.
Criticism from Health Advocates
The Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), a think tank comprising independent experts in epidemiology, nutrition, and pediatrics, has strongly criticized the ongoing delays. In a letter to FSSAI, NAPi argued that the authority should proceed with framing the FOPL regulation based on existing extensive consultations, available scientific evidence, and Supreme Court directives, rather than reopening discussions through additional stakeholder meetings.
Dr. Arun Gupta, a member of NAPi, raised pressing questions: "How many consultations will it take? The process for the regulation started in 2014, when FSSAI framed guidelines which included front-of-pack labeling specifying how much fat, sugar or salt it contained. How long does it take to bring in a regulation to protect public health interest?" He highlighted the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases and obesity, even among children, directly linked to the consumption of HFSS packaged foods.
Ongoing Process and Future Steps
FSSAI has informed the Supreme Court that it conducted another stakeholder consultation on March 19, 2024, focusing on "the proposed labels to be issued." However, with the regulatory process tracing back to initial guidelines in 2014, the continued postponement raises significant concerns about public health protection and regulatory efficacy in addressing India's growing health crisis related to dietary habits.
