'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative

In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

The Court was hearing a Miscellaneous Application in the Public Interest Litigation (W.P.(C) No. 437/2024) filed by 3S And Our Health Society. While the main petition was disposed of in April 2025 with directions to expedite amendments to labelling regulations, the recent compliance affidavit filed by FSSAI failed to impress the bench.

"Prima-facie, we are of the view that whatever exercise has been undertaken so far has not yielded any positive or good result. The PIL was filed with a particular purpose. It raised an important issue as regards the right to health of the citizens of this country," the Court observed in its order dated February 10, 2026.

The bench highlighted a specific suggestion from the petitioner's counsel, emphasizing the need for clear warnings on packets. To illustrate the point, the Court referenced international practices, including a model from Israel, which uses distinct red warning labels for harmful nutrients. The order noted, "The suggestion is that on the wrapper/packet of any pre-packaged food product, there must be a warning in the form of front-of-package labelling... FoPL is something which is internationally prevalent." The FSSAI has been directed to revert to the Court within four weeks, with the matter listed for further hearing on March 10, 2026.

Public Health Experts Urge Minister to Act

Adding pressure on the government, a coalition of 29 public health and consumer organisations has written to Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda, urging the immediate and effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s directives.

In a letter dated February 26, 2026, led by Dr. Arun Gupta, Convenor of Nutrition Advocacy for Public Interest (NAPi), the groups expressed their solidarity with the Court's stance. They highlighted that India is experiencing a rapid rise in consumption of packaged foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), which is a key driver of the non-communicable disease (NCD) epidemic, including diabetes and obesity.

The organisations pointed to the model illustrated in the Supreme Court order, which they noted is based on the Israeli system—a policy developed by an independent scientific committee without industry influence.

"This policy has been long overdue... We write to express our solidarity and share the scientific evidence and respectfully urge you to ensure timely and effective implementation of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directions for the mandatory front-of-pack warning labels," the letter stated.

The groups have also recommended that the regulation-making process in India remain independent, ensuring that the food industry and its allies are not part of the decision-making committee to safeguard public interest.

With the next hearing scheduled for March 10, 2026, all eyes are now on FSSAI to see whether it will adopt a robust warning label system—such as the "High In" black triangle or red label format—to empower Indian consumers to make healthier choices.

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