Overview
- The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on Monday and directed all parties to file final written submissions within three days, saying the eventual order will be binding on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- FSSAI told the court it plans a red hexagon front‑of‑pack warning that can display “HIGH FAT,” “HIGH SALT,” or “HIGH SUGAR” and will apply if any one of those nutrients crosses the regulator’s threshold.
- The regulator said it now favors a single‑phase rollout, estimates about four months to issue and finalise draft FoPL regulations, and proposed a one‑year voluntary transition period for packaged food companies after notification.
- The court pressed the Centre and FSSAI for clarity on the technical rules driving the scheme, including the specific nutrient thresholds, which product categories will be covered and how the consultation and implementation process will work.
- The case will shape how sharply India adopts a Canada‑style warning model, affect how companies label products and influence consumer choices and public health efforts to cut excess sugar, salt and fat in packaged foods.