Indian Activists Challenge Food Warning Label Proposal

Indian health activists have raised concerns in the Supreme Court over a proposed food warning-label system, calling it too lenient and warning that it could allow many unhealthy packaged products to avoid red warning labels. The nonprofit 3S And Our Health has described the proposal as an “industry-friendly loophole.”

Under the proposed rules, packaged foods would receive a red warning label only when they exceed limits for at least two of three nutrients: added sugar, salt or saturated fat. Activists argue that products high in just one of these nutrients can still pose significant health risks.

The government has said the concerns are unfounded, explaining that stricter warnings for individual nutrients could be introduced in a second phase. Meanwhile, industry groups have also opposed the proposal, warning that a large share of packaged foods could receive warning labels and face weaker consumer demand. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the complaint on September 10.

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