New Delhi [India], April 10 (HBTV): The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave the Central government a three-month deadline to amend India’s food safety regulations to mandate warning labels on food wrappers.

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) that had sought directions for mandating ‘Front-of-Package Warning Labels on Packaged Foods’, noting that the Union government has already decided to make necessary amendments in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020.

‘We dispose of with a direction to the expert committee to prepare its recommendations and submit a report in that regard at the earliest so that relying on that report necessary amendments can be taken up. The exercise be undertaken within a period of 3 months,’ the bench stated in its order.

The Court also expressed concern about the appeal of packaged snacks among children, who are especially vulnerable to consuming such food without understanding its contents.

‘Y’all have grandchildren?’ Justice Pardiwala asked the lawyers in court.

‘Allow them to decide the petition, then you will come to know what is Kurkure, Maggi. Name the product and let them decide what type of wrapper should be there. They don’t see the content, they only see what is in the packet,’ he added on a lighter note.

The PIL, filed by Advocate Rajiv S. Dwivedi, argued that warning labels help consumers identify foods high in added sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats, and other harmful substances. It stated that clear labelling promotes healthier choices, discourages overconsumption, and raises awareness about associated health risks.

The Central government’s counsel informed the bench that it had received approximately 14,000 objections and suggestions from the public regarding packaged food labelling. It was further submitted that a committee had been formed to evaluate these suggestions and provide recommendations to the FSSAI for necessary amendments to current labelling and packaging regulations.

The petitioner urged that a timeline be fixed to ensure the Centre makes the amendments promptly. After reviewing the submissions, the Court directed the Centre to complete the process of amending packaging and labelling rules within three months.

(ANI)