India signals stricter food warning labels

Key facts

• India's Supreme Court ordered the government to provide a clear pathway for implementing food warning labels within 10 days.
• The court expressed concern that a phased approach might lead to indefinite delays in introducing stricter rules.
• The proposed labels would target products exceeding limits for added sugar, salt, or saturated fat.
• A government source indicated willingness to implement both proposed phases of the labeling program in one go.
• The food industry has opposed the warning labels, calling them confusing and ineffective.

India's Supreme Court has ordered the federal government to present a clear plan for implementing food warning labels on packaged products within 10 days. The court's directive intensifies pressure on New Delhi to enact the public health measure, following complaints from a health non-profit and amid a nationwide crackdown on food safety.

The court expressed concern that a phased approach, which the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had suggested, might lead to indefinite postponements of stricter rules. The proposed labels would target products exceeding limits for added sugar, salt, or saturated fat. A government source indicated a willingness to implement both phases of the labeling program simultaneously.

The debate over food safety has intensified since reports emerged that the government initially opted for a weaker labeling regime after lobbying efforts by companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and groups backing Nestle. The Indian food and drinks industry has opposed the warning labels, deeming them confusing and ineffective, though many companies voluntarily use similar measures in European markets.