Supreme Court Gives Government Two Weeks to Decide on Food Warning Labels

In a stern address on Thursday, the Supreme Court criticized both the Centre and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for the prolonged postponement of front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. The court allotted a two-week window for the government to issue a final decision on the labeling scheme, warning that it would issue its own directives should the deadline lapse.

The judiciary’s intervention highlights growing pressure to implement nutritional warnings aimed at curbing unhealthy consumption. Officials from the Centre and the FSSAI have faced repeated calls to move forward with the policy, which remains a key component of India’s public-health strategy. The court’s ultimatum signals a willingness to enforce compliance through judicial orders if necessary. Observers note that the decision could set a precedent for future health-related regulatory actions.