India faces a critical public health challenge regarding the regulation of front-of-pack (FOP) labelling on packaged foods. The Supreme Court (SC) has recently emphasised the urgency of clear and truthful labelling on popular snacks like samosas and jalebis. The issue exposes deep conflicts between public health interests and industry profits. Despite longstanding demands, India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has yet to implement effective warning labels on foods high in sugar, fat and salt (HFSS). This delay hampers efforts to curb obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Regulatory Background and Supreme Court Intervention
The SC in April 2025 mandated FSSAI to review and amend labelling rules within three months. The Court’s pointed remarks brought into light the absence of clear nutritional information on products like Kurkure and Maggi. This intervention aims to empower consumers with accurate data to make healthier food choices. However, FSSAI has sought an extension, reflecting bureaucratic inertia. The SC’s directive underlines the importance of transparency and consumer rights in public health.
Health Implications of HFSS Foods
HFSS foods contribute to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. India’s national target to halt obesity rise by 2025 is far from being met. Scientific studies confirm that warning labels on front packs are the most effective method to reduce HFSS consumption. Such labels inform consumers at the point of purchase, countering misleading marketing that portrays unhealthy snacks as healthy or natural. The 2024-25 Economic Survey also recommended stringent warning labels to protect public health.
Industry Resistance and Economic Arguments
The packaged food industry strongly opposes mandatory FOP warning labels. Companies cite increased packaging costs and potential economic losses, especially during market slowdowns. Some claim such regulations could ruin the industry. This opposition reflects a conflict between profit motives and public health needs. Industry lobbying has delayed regulatory progress for over a decade, despite clear scientific evidence supporting warning labels.
Regulatory Process and Transparency Issues
FSSAI’s decision-making process is criticised for opacity and regulatory capture. Public consultations exist but often lack meaningful transparency on how inputs are considered. The regulator cites commercial confidentiality to withhold details, raising questions about whose interests are prioritised. Reports suggest industry influence dominates policy outcomes, undermining trust in FSSAI. The prolonged delay in implementing FOP labelling since 2014 exemplifies systemic dysfunction in public health regulation.
Right to Information and Public Health Ethics
Consumers have a fundamental right to know the contents and health risks of packaged foods. Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to life, which includes the right to health. Regulatory bodies must prioritise public interest over industry profits. Conflict of interest safeguards are lacking in policymaking, allowing vested interests to influence decisions. Effective FOP labelling is crucial to uphold consumer rights and enable informed food choices.
Scientific Consensus on Warning Labels
Global evidence confirms that front-of-pack warning labels reduce consumption of HFSS foods. Unlike other labelling systems, warning labels provide clear, easy-to-understand health messages. They do not restrict consumer freedom but enhance awareness. This intervention is a proven public health tool to combat obesity and related NCDs. India’s delay in adopting such measures contrasts with international best practices.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in protecting public health against industry interests.
- Analyse the impact of front-of-pack food labelling on consumer behaviour and public health outcomes in India and globally.
- Examine the constitutional provisions under Article 21 related to the right to health and how they apply to food safety regulations in India.
- Estimate the economic and social challenges in implementing stringent food safety regulations in developing countries and suggest measures to address them.
