Consumers who frequently consume packaged foods must now pay attention not only to taste and brand but also to special warning signs on the packaging. The issue of placing a clear health warning on the front of the package if the content of sugar, salt, or fat exceeds established norms was brought before the Supreme Court. A significant divergence arose in this matter between the proposals of FSSAI and the petitioner, lawyer Rajiv Dwivedi.
According to the statement filed by FSSAI with the Supreme Court, a red hexagonal label will be used for the packaging warning. The font size of this label must be one point larger than the font in the nutritional information table located on the back.
Initially, FSSAI proposed that such a warning would only be required if two or more nutrients—sugar, fat, and salt—exceeded the set limits in the packaged product. However, the petitioner lawyer Rajiv Dwivedi questioned this rule.
In Dwivedi's opinion, the warning should appear on the front side even if only one substance—sugar, salt, or fat—exceeds the permissible level. He believes that the condition requiring the excess of two nutrients is insufficient.
The Supreme Court also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work by FSSAI and the central government. The Court emphasized that the health of children and ordinary people is more important than any corporate profit. The central government promised to make changes to the rules within three months concerning the Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2020.
For its part, AIFPA, which represents the food processing and manufacturing industry worth about $100 billion, opposed these rules. The main concern of the companies is why risk assessment is based on 100 grams or 100 milliliters. They argue that people consume products like pickled vegetables, not 100 grams, but approximately 5 grams per meal. Therefore, the portion size should be considered when establishing warnings.
Manufacturers are also concerned that the introduction of strict standards may lead traditional foods such as snacks, bhujia, samosas, and papad to receive a red warning. Large companies can use research laboratories to change formulas, but this will be difficult for small and artisanal producers.
Consumers need to know how much salt, sugar, and fat is contained in everyday packaged foods. Final directives from the Supreme Court are currently awaited. The court's decision will determine whether buyers will see only the brand on the packaging or also a warning related to their health.