In a landmark move to improve public health and reduce the impact of lifestyle diseases, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the Central Government and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to finalise and implement updated food labelling regulations within three months. The decision, announced on April 9, 2025, mandates that clear nutritional labels be prominently displayed on the front of all packaged food products.

Public Health in Focus

This decision comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by health advocacy groups 3S and Our Health Society, which argued that current labelling practices fail to adequately inform consumers about harmful contents like added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. The petition was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, highlighting that the right to life including the right to health was being compromised by lack of transparency in food packaging.

The Court stressed that with the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods in India, the absence of clear front-of-pack warnings contributes significantly to rising cases of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Clear Labelling to Empower Consumers

As part of the upcoming regulations, manufacturers will be required to clearly show the percentage of sugar, sodium (salt), and saturated fat per serving, relative to the recommended daily intake (RDA). This data must appear on the front panel of food packets in bold, easy-to-read fonts.

Additionally, specific product types will require further disclosures:

• Milk and milk products must display a mandatory logo, with dimensions adjusted to fit the packaging.

• Coffee-chicory mixtures will require a capital-lettered declaration in a rectangular box.

These changes aim to ensure that shoppers can make quick, informed decisions at the point of purchase.

The Indian Nutrition Rating System (INR)

The regulations will also include the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), which assigns packaged foods a score from 0.5 to 5 stars, based on their nutritional quality. The rating system considers both beneficial nutrients like fiber and protein and harmful elements such as added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.

Designed to be placed near the product name on the front of the pack, the INR system is intended to simplify complex nutrition information into a form that is easily understandable at a glance. However, some experts argue that this format may not effectively convey the risks of unhealthy foods, calling instead for stronger visual warnings like those used in Chile and Singapore.

Timeline and Legal Process

The Supreme Court’s order outlines a specific implementation path:

• The FSSAI’s Expert Committee must submit its final recommendations within three months.

• These will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee.

• Once approved by the Food Authority, the final regulations will be enforced beginning July 1, 2025.

The case will be heard again after three months to assess progress and ensure compliance.

Past Efforts and Public Engagement

This push builds on years of policy development. The original Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations were introduced in 2020 and later amended in July 2024 to include stronger requirements. A draft notification in early 2025 included detailed proposals for front-of-pack labelling.

The FSSAI has actively sought public input, receiving more than 14,000 comments on the draft rules a clear signal of public concern about food safety and nutrition.

Justice J.B. Pardiwala, who presided over the case, noted that consumers should be clearly informed about popular food items like “Kurkure and Maggi”, saying that people deserve to know exactly what they are eating and how it’s labeled.

Addressing India’s Lifestyle Disease Burden

With over 60% of deaths in India attributed to non-communicable diseases, experts have long highlighted the need for stronger nutritional policies. Poor diets, dominated by processed and packaged foods, are among the leading contributors to this crisis.

The new labelling rules are not just a regulatory update they are a public health intervention. When paired with public awareness and enforcement, they have the potential to bring long-term benefits to Indian households and reduce strain on the healthcare system.