Public health group NAPi opposes fresh consultations on front-of-pack warning labels

By A Representative 

Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi) has written to the Chairperson of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), expressing concern over the regulator’s decision to convene another stakeholder consultation on the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, particularly regarding the introduction of front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products.

In a letter addressed to FSSAI Chairperson Punya Salila Srivastava, NAPi said the additional consultation scheduled on 19 March could delay the implementation of an important public health measure aimed at informing consumers about foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

NAPi, a network of public health professionals and consumer advocates, acknowledged the opportunity to participate in regulatory discussions but questioned the need for reopening deliberations on front-of-pack labelling, stating that the issue has already undergone extensive consultations and technical reviews over several years.

The group pointed out that the matter is also under consideration before the Supreme Court of India, which has suggested that pre-packaged food products should carry warning labels on the front of the package to alert consumers. According to NAPi, reopening broad consultations at this stage could further postpone the adoption of a long-pending consumer protection measure.

The organisation also raised concerns about the participation of food industry associations in the consultation process, saying their commercial interests could create conflicts of interest in regulatory decision-making. NAPi argued that while industry perspectives may be relevant during the implementation phase, the design of public health warnings intended to inform consumers about unhealthy food products should remain insulated from commercial influence. It added that consumer protection must remain paramount under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

NAPi urged FSSAI to proceed with the regulatory process for front-of-pack warning labels based on existing evidence, past consultations and judicial observations rather than initiating further rounds of stakeholder deliberations. It also requested the regulator to ensure that future consultations on food regulatory design remain free from commercial influence.

As part of its submissions, NAPi said it had earlier developed a prototype for a simple front-of-pack warning label in Hindi and English intended to clearly communicate health risks associated with foods high in fat, sugar and salt. The organisation stated that the design follows an evidence-based and consumer-oriented approach and has been shared with the authority along with a scientific paper for consideration.

The group also noted that the Economic Survey 2025–26 has recommended the adoption of front-of-pack warning labels as a public health measure to help consumers make informed dietary choices.

The letter was signed by Arun Gupta, convenor of NAPi, who reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting evidence-based food policies that place consumer interest and public health at the centre of regulatory decision-making.