The Supreme Court on Thursday (August 13, 2026) criticised the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s food regulator, for not introducing front-of-pack warning labels on packaged food products indicating sugar, salt and saturated fat levels.

A Bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala asked the FSSAI whether it did not want children to grow up healthy.

The hearing was based on a petition filed by the Kerala-based NGO, 3S and Our Health Society, seeking directions from the Centre to introduce front-of-pack warning labels.

“Are you taking the court for a toss?” Justice Pardiwala asked Additional Solicitor General Brijender Chahar on learning that nothing much had moved in the FSSAI on the issue of labelling.

“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? We know the pressure on you. Will you do it on your own or should we pass an order?” Justice Pardiwala asked the government side.

Mr. Chahar said one-third of enterprises were based on traditional food, exposing items like ‘namkeen’ to be categorised as unhealthy.

“You should be concerned about the health of young children. They are addicted,” Justice Pardiwala said.

An FSSAI affidavit had earlier said the front-of-pack labelling was in format with global practices and provided consumers with simplified information on nutritional content.