SC pulls up FSSAI's reluctance to put warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, fat. Are you bowing to corporate pressure? Supreme Court's bench further
asked, "In this country, how many people can afford dry fruits? How many children buy Kurkure? That makes all the difference. We are not against any particular product. We only want the person purchasing it to know what he is consuming," SC said. The Supreme Court has given FSSAI 2 weeks to place on record its final decision in the matter. SC questioned reluctance of FSSAI to introduce front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products containing high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat. SC was hearing a case in which the Court had earlier urged the FSSAI to consider introducing such warning labels in the interest of public health. Today the court took critical note that the FSSAI was hesitant to implement such a measure, going by a the minutes of a meeting held by the food standards watchdog. The Court asked if the FSSAI was bowing down to corporate entities involved in food manufacture. "Are you taking the court for a toss? There is immense pressure at the end of all these corporate houses on you. And you are succumbing to that pressure! We are doing this in public interest. Keep it in mind. We are not doing it for ourselves. Why are you not abiding by our order? What have you done so far? We know the pressure on you. Will you do it on your own or should we pass an order?" the Bench remarked. The Court was also not impressed by an explanation that many Indian foods, like namkeens, would also end up being labelled as high in fat, sugar or salt if such warning labels are introduced. "You don’t want people of this country to remain healthy? More particularly growing children?" the court asked. You (FSSAI) are succumbing to (corporate) pressure! You don’t want people of this country to remain healthy? Court went on to comment that it is not against any particular food product but only on ensuring the public awareness in such matters. Times Now Digital's "E-Comms Hiding Health Info"" campaign has been reporting consumer complaints, what health experts and legal experts believe and the measures FSSAI has taken so far. The campaign has highlighted how India's quick commerce and e-commerce boom cannot undermine consumers' right to information and how consumer awareness and transparency is critical going forward.
