FSSAI Proposes Red Warning Labels on High Sugar, Salt, Fat Foods

India's food safety regulator has proposed mandatory red warning labels on the front of packaged foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, or fat, marking a significant policy reversal under pressure from the Supreme Court. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) submitted the proposal in an affidavit to the Supreme Court on August 28, 2026, detailing a plan for a red hexagonal label to alert consumers to products containing high levels of two or more specified nutrients. Under the proposal, the warning label would read "HIGH FAT, HIGH SUGAR, HIGH SALT" or "HIGHLY SWEETENED BEVERAGE" and be displayed prominently on the front of the pack. The system is designed to help consumers, particularly children and vulnerable groups, make informed choices by readily identifying products high in nutrients of concern. The FSSAI stated that the thresholds for triggering the warning would be based on the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024. Single-ingredient products like ghee, oil, and honey would be exempt. The submission comes after the Supreme Court, during a hearing on August 13, sharply criticized the government's slow progress and urged swift action.