Activists ask India's Supreme Court to close food warning label loophole

Indian health activists have asked the Supreme Court to reject a proposed front-of-pack labeling system that would require a red warning only when packaged foods exceed limits for at least two of three nutrients: added sugar, salt or saturated fat. Nonprofit 3S And Our Health argues that products high in only one of those nutrients could evade warnings despite posing significant health risks, calling the proposal an “industry-friendly loophole.” The government says the system could be tightened in a second phase to include warnings for each nutrient, although no timeline has been set. Food-industry groups have also opposed the plan, warning that broad labeling requirements could affect sales, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the activists’ complaint on September 10.