FSSAI trains food businesses on labelling, advertising rules amid scrutiny over food warnings
New Delhi, Aug 14
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on Friday said that it conducted a training session for food business operators on regulations governing food labelling, display, advertising and claims, amid heightened focus on consumer awareness and public health safeguards for packaged food products.
The session -- 'Understanding Labelling & Display and Advertising & Claims Regulations -- witnessed participation from a large number of food businesses, reflecting the industry's focus on compliance with food labelling and advertising requirements, FSSAI said on a social media platform X.
The training comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the need for stronger nutritional information and warning labels on packaged foods containing high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat.
In addition, the Supreme Court has recently questioned the Centre and FSSAI over delays in implementing front-of-pack warning labels, stressing that public health -- particularly that of children-- cannot be compromised.
A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran had asked the government to explain the steps taken towards implementing stronger nutritional warnings and questioned whether consumer health considerations were being adequately prioritised.
The court has also emphasised that clear warnings on the front of food packages could help consumers make informed choices before purchasing products.
It had questioned concerns that stronger warning labels could affect manufacturers' businesses, observing that the final decision on whether to purchase a product rests with consumers and that commercial interests cannot override public health considerations.
The apex court had sought details from the Centre on the proposed labelling framework and granted the government time to respond warning that it could issue further directions if concrete action was not taken.
Moreover, during an earlier hearing, the government had argued that aligning with international standards on packaging and nutritional warnings posed practical challenges. However, the court dismissed the submission and said that India cannot rely on foreign standards as a reason to delay stronger public health safeguards.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The food industry will always resist these regulations because they know sales will drop once people see the warnings. But honestly, isn't that the point? If a product is unhealthy, consumers deserve to know. I hope the government stops delaying and implements these labels quickly. We can't keep relying on foreign standards as an excuse forever.
This is a welcome step but honestly, FSSAI has been dragging its feet for years. Training sessions are good, but what we really need is action. Every day of delay means more children growing up on junk food without understanding the risks. The Supreme Court has given clear directions — let's hope the government listens this time. 🤞
While I support the idea of warning labels, I do have a slight concern. The food industry employs millions in India, and sudden drastic changes could impact livelihoods. However, I also understand that health is more important. Maybe we need a balanced approach — give businesses adequate time to reformulate their products while implementing the labels. Just my two paise.
It's shocking that we're still debating this in 2025! Countries like Chile and Mexico have had these labels for years and they've made a real difference. Our children deserve the same protection. I'm glad the Supreme Court is pushing the government — it's embarrassing that they needed to be reminded that consumer health matters more than corporate profits.
The training session is a positive move, but I'd like to see some accountability too. How many businesses actually follow these rules? What's the monitoring mechanism? Also, the '
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