SC reserves judgement on the front-of-the-pack warning label matter, says its order will be binding on FSSAI

The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its judgement in the matter related to front-of-the-pack (FoPL) labelling regulations for the packaged food industry. The bench directed all parties to file their final written submissions within three days. The bench said whatever order it will pass will be binding on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The FSSAI had earlier submitted to the Court that it is proposing a red Hexagon with white square shaped warning labels on the front of the pack drawing from the FoPL format adopted by Canada. It also informed that this will be implemented in the single phase, where even if one nutrient of concern, which is added sugar, salt and fat, is present, the companies will need to declare it on the front of the pack instead of the earlier proposed two phased implementation plan.

“Today we are hearing all the parties concerned and whatever order we now pass, it will be binding on the Authority and we expect you to understand it and implement it scrupulously. We are undertaking this entire exercise for the good of the nation and the citizens. So, we expect the Authority to accept and comply with the order in its true spirit... Do not disappoint us.,” said Justice JB Pardiwala said while hearing the matter.

The FSSAI has said in its submission that a period of four months will be reasonably required for following the regulatory process , which involves issuing and finalising the draft regulations.It has also proposed to give a period of one year to packaged food companies for voluntary implementation for transition to the front-of-the-pack labelling framework post its notification.

The Court questioned the FSSAI on the timeline required of four months and the consultation process. The Court also told the counsel appearing for the All India Food Processors Association to co-operate with the process.