A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court by a non-profit organization seeking mandatory Front-of-Package Warning Labels on packaged foods to disclose levels of sugars, salt, and saturated fats. The initiative aims to address the increasing rates of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease in India.
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NEW DELHI: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Supreme Court by 3S And Our Health Society Public Charitable Trust, a non-profit organization, advocating for the implementation of mandatory Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FOPL) on packaged foods by the Union of India and various State and Union Territory governments. The PIL highlights the urgent need for clear, interpretive labels that disclose the levels of sugars, salt, and saturated fats in food products. This initiative is viewed as essential for addressing the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and heart disease, in India.
After hearing Advocate on Record (AoR) Rajiv Shankar Dvivedi, representing the petitioner organization, the Bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra issued notice in the PIL, scheduling it for hearing on August 27.
“Issue notice, returnable in four weeks. List the petition on 27 August 2024.”
-the Bench stated in its order dated July 29.
The PIL brings to light the-
“Alarming rise in the spread of diabetes and related diseases in India.”
“Diabetes has become a silent epidemic in India, impacting millions and placing a heavy strain on our healthcare system. It is important to highlight to this Hon’ble Court the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting both children and adults.”
-the Petition states.
Globally, over 70 percent of all deaths are attributed to NCDs, which include lifestyle diseases. In India, NCDs claim 6 million lives annually, with 1 in 4 individuals grappling with diabetes, predominantly due to obesity.
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“The scientific community highlights the alarming link between the rising consumption of junk foods and an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, mental health issues, and premature deaths. Aggressive marketing of these unhealthy products worsens the problem, contributing to weight gain and higher intake of sugars, salt, and saturated fats.”
-the PIL elaborates.
It cites reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations that recommend robust policy frameworks to reduce junk food consumption. These frameworks include advertising restrictions and the implementation of consumer alert systems, such as FOPL, to promote informed choices and safeguard public health.
The petition draws attention to the success of similar policies in other countries, urging India to adopt these practices to curb the rising trend of junk food consumption. It calls for the immediate implementation of warning labels on packaged foods, as proposed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to help consumers easily identify and avoid products with high levels of harmful ingredients.
“Front-of-Package Labelling is a vital tool that empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices, countering the influence of large corporations. It allows citizens to easily identify and understand the nutritional content and harmful ingredients in packaged foods and beverages, leading to healthier decisions. Although the FSSAI has acknowledged the importance of FOPL, it is essential to fast-track regulations requiring warning labels to be prominently displayed on packaging.”
-the PIL reads.
According to the Petition, the FSSAI has recognized the importance of FOPL but has yet to mandate the use of warning labels. The petition argues that this delay is detrimental to public health and efforts to reduce the burden of NCDs in the country. The PIL also mentions that the petitioner organization had previously written to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, requesting the expedited formulation and implementation of these regulations but received no response. Consequently, the petitioner was compelled to approach the Supreme Court to seek judicial intervention.