New Delhi, Aug 2026 : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed introducing prominent front-of-pack red warning labels on processed food and beverage products that contain high levels of sugar, salt or fat, in a move aimed at helping consumers make more informed dietary choices.
According to a submission made by FSSAI before the Supreme Court, the proposed warning system would clearly identify products containing excessive levels of specified nutrients. Labels could carry declarations such as “HIGH FAT”, “HIGH SUGAR”, “HIGH SALT” and “HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE”, depending on the nutritional composition of the product.
The proposal has been submitted as the Supreme Court considers petitions filed by health activists seeking mandatory warning labels on packaged food products. The petitioners have argued that India should adopt clearer front-of-pack nutritional warnings similar to systems used in several other countries.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed FSSAI to accelerate the process of introducing such warning labels after expressing concern over delays in establishing a mandatory framework.
The issue has also brought the regulator into discussions with major food and beverage companies. Large multinational firms, including Nestle, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, have opposed aspects of the proposed system, amid concerns that prominent warnings could influence consumer choices and potentially affect sales.
During the previous hearing, the Supreme Court strongly criticised the delay in implementing mandatory nutritional warnings on packaged foods. The matter is being heard in connection with a public interest litigation focused on protecting public health and improving transparency in food labelling.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran questioned whether regulatory authorities were giving sufficient priority to the health of the Indian population. The court stressed that consumers, particularly children and young people, need clear information about the nutritional risks associated with highly processed food products.
The bench also rejected concerns that front-of-pack warnings could disproportionately affect traditional Indian packaged snacks. The court maintained that commercial considerations cannot take precedence over public health objectives.
The proposed system is intended to make nutritional information more immediately visible to consumers. Instead of requiring shoppers to examine detailed nutritional tables printed on the back or side of packages, the warning labels would provide an easily recognisable indication of products high in potentially harmful nutrients.
The Supreme Court has given FSSAI a strict timeline to work towards establishing a definitive framework, underscoring the urgency attached to the issue.
Health experts and activists have increasingly raised concerns about the consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, particularly among children and young consumers. They argue that aggressive marketing and limited awareness of nutritional content can make it difficult for consumers to identify products with excessive sugar, salt or fat.
The proposed red-label system could therefore represent a significant shift in India's packaged-food labelling regime if formally approved and implemented. The final framework, including the nutritional thresholds, design and implementation mechanism, will depend on the regulatory process and further directions from the authorities.
The move signals a growing emphasis on transparent food labelling and consumer awareness as India seeks to address rising concerns surrounding diet-related health risks.
