The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has moved closer to mandatory warning labels on packaged foods high in fat, sugar or salt. The Supreme Court, hearing a public interest petition filed by 3S and Our Health Society, reserved its order on 28 September 2026 after questioning the regulator’s proposed timeline.
FSSAI first set out its plan in an affidavit filed on 28 August, two weeks after a bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala criticised the regulator. Products above set limits would carry a red hexagon reading High Fat, High Sugar, High Salt or High Sweetened Beverage, in a font at least one point larger than the nutrition table on the back of the pack. The limits are based on the ICMR NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024.
Single ingredient foods and foods naturally high in these nutrients, such as ghee, edible oil, sugar, salt, jaggery and honey, are exempt. FSSAI originally proposed two phases, starting with products high in two or more nutrients.
On 10 September the court asked FSSAI to answer 13 questions and rethink the label colour. FSSAI then switched to a single phase that applies to products high in any one nutrient, with the warning placed at the top left of the front panel. It proposed four months to finalise the rules, 60 days for domestic and WTO comments, and a 365 day voluntary transition. The court questioned that last window before reserving its order.
Market Research Outlook: Warning labels will force a rethink across biscuits, snacks, sweetened drinks and ready meals. Brands that reformulate early to stay under the limits will avoid the red hexagon and may win share. Expect a surge in reduced sugar and lower salt launches across the packaged food market over the next two years.
Image: Subhashish Panigrahi via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
