Supreme Court Reserves Order on Front-of-Pack Warning Labels, Questions FSSAI's One-Year Voluntary Period
October 4, 2026: The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a petition seeking mandatory front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat, while pressing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on why implementation should take so long.
What Happened
At a hearing on Monday, September 28, a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran questioned FSSAI's proposed timeline. According to reports, FSSAI proposed:
- About four months to finalise the regulations
- 60 days of public consultation
- A 365-day voluntary compliance period before labels become mandatory
Justice Pardiwala questioned the need for further delay given the health concerns involved, and indicated that the court's final directions would have to be implemented strictly, Business Standard reported.
What the Labels Would Look Like
FSSAI has proposed a red hexagonal warning label on the front of packs of foods high in specified nutrients of concern, carrying warnings such as "HIGH SUGAR", "HIGH SALT", "HIGH FAT" and "HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE". The label would be placed prominently at the top left of the front panel.
Who Brought the Case
The petition was filed by 3S and Our Health Society, a Kerala-based public charitable organisation, which highlighted the rising burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in India.
Why It Matters
- India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
- Countries including Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Canada and Israel use warning-style front-of-pack labels, which research suggests help consumers identify less healthy products and can prompt manufacturers to reformulate.
- The food industry has argued for more time and consultation, citing redesign and reformulation costs.
Background
The debate is more than a decade old. The Delhi High Court directed FSSAI in 2013 to frame rules on foods high in fat, sugar and salt. A 2022 FSSAI draft proposed an "Indian Nutrition Rating" star system, which public health experts criticised as less clear than warning labels. FSSAI's latest proposal shifts to warning symbols.
What Happens Next
The court's order, once pronounced, is expected to set the timeline for making the labels mandatory. Food companies may begin redesigning packaging early in anticipation.
FAQ
Are front-of-pack warning labels mandatory in India now?
Not yet. The Supreme Court's forthcoming order is expected to decide the timeline.
Which foods would carry the labels?
Packaged foods exceeding FSSAI's thresholds for sugar, salt or fat, as defined in the final regulations.