The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns about the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed timeline for implementing front-of-package labeling on packaged foods. During a hearing on Monday, the court questioned the delay in rolling out the labels, which aim to inform consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in food products.
The FSSAI's plan involves a red hexagon warning label on the front of food packages to indicate high levels of these nutrients. Originally, the implementation was to occur in two phases, but the FSSAI has now shifted to a single-phase approach. This change comes after criticism from health experts and activists who argued that the initial plan was too lenient.
In a recent court filing, the FSSAI outlined its new strategy, stating that products with even one nutrient exceeding the threshold would require a warning label. The agency also proposed a 365-day voluntary compliance period for food businesses after the regulations are finalized. This timeline has drawn scrutiny from the Supreme Court, which questioned the need for such an extended period.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran, expressed dissatisfaction with the FSSAI's progress, noting that the initiative began in 2022. The bench emphasized the importance of the labeling system for public health and urged the FSSAI to expedite the process.
The FSSAI's proposal also includes a new requirement for products containing artificial sweeteners. These items must display a warning statement, "CONTAIN NON CALORIC SWEETENER, " prominently on the front of the packaging, rather than on the back as currently mandated.
India's food and drinks market is one of the fastest-growing for foreign players including Nestle, Unilever, Mondelez, and Mars, whose food products compete in a thriving industry that includes big Indian firms. The proposed labeling regulations could significantly impact these companies, which compete in a rapidly growing industry.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court asked the FSSAI to clarify several aspects of the labeling system. These include the timeline for implementation, identification of specific sweetened beverages, and the threshold levels for nutrients of concern. The court also sought details on the font size and pictorial representations for the labels.
The bench highlighted the need for an inclusive labeling system that caters to India's diverse population. It suggested that the FSSAI incorporate both words and pictorial representations to ensure the information is accessible to all consumers, regardless of literacy levels or regional differences.
In response to the court's queries, the FSSAI explained that its earlier efforts focused on an Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) star-rating system, which had a different set of criteria. The agency now aims to finalize the draft regulations within four months, followed by a 60-day period for public consultation through domestic channels and the World Trade Organization platform.
The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the urgency of implementing effective food labeling regulations in India. As the FSSAI works to address the court's concerns, the outcome could have significant implications for the country's food industry and public health.
