India is considering the introduction of front-of-pack labeling for food products as health concerns continue to grow

Summary:
India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is working on introducing front-of-pack warning labels for foods high in fat, sugar, and salt to help consumers make healthier choices. It has informed the Supreme Court that the label format is still under consideration, with both pictorial and tabular options being evaluated. The authority is reviewing global practices, scientific evidence, and stakeholder feedback before releasing draft rules. Experts stress that such measures are urgently needed, as these foods can disrupt natural satiety signals and contribute to overeating. 

India’s food regulator is in the process of determining front-of-pack warning labels for foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, with the goal of guiding consumers toward healthier decisions.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has told the Supreme Court that it has yet to finalize the format for such labels on packaged foods. It is evaluating both pictorial and tabular approaches to highlight products containing high levels of fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS).

In an affidavit submitted on 13 March 2026, the FSSAI said it is examining international practices, scientific standards, and input from stakeholders before completing its proposal, after which a draft regulation will be issued. The initiative is intended to support informed consumer choices, as existing back-of-pack nutrition information does not clearly identify less healthy options.

Health experts caution that HFSS foods can override the body’s natural satiety cues, leading to overeating, and emphasize the need for swift action on these long-delayed public health measures.