Respond on suggestion to introduce front-of-pack labelling on food products: SC to FSSAI
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New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court has sought the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) response on a suggestion to introduce front-of-pack labelling on packaged food products containing high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat.
Front-of-Pack (FoP) labelling is a simplified, evidence-based nutrition-labelling system placed on the front of food packages to help consumers make quick, informed and healthier purchasing decisions.
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) matter filed by public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society, seeking directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to implement the mandatory front-of-pack warning labels (FoPLs) on packaged food.
In an affidavit filed in the court, the FSSAI has said it intends to conduct further research and undertake a systematic mapping of a representative sample of different varieties of packaged food products across both the solid and liquid categories.
The apex court was informed that the FSSAI intends to conduct surveys among consumers to assess the extent of usage of label information and ensure wider stakeholder consultation with the industry, small, medium and micro enterprises.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the affidavit, the bench said whatever exercise has so far been undertaken has not yielded any positive result.
"The PIL was filed with a particular purpose. It raised an important issue as regards the right to health of the citizens of this country," the bench said in an order dated February 10.
It noted the suggestion of the petitioner's counsel that there must be a warning on the wrapper or packet of any pre-packaged food product in the form of FoP labelling.
The court has asked the FSSAI to respond on the suggestion within four weeks.
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'I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus': Raghav Chadha rubbishes AAP's allegations
New Delhi (PTI): "I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus," said Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday as he rejected allegations levelled against him by the Aam Aadmi Party, calling them "false" and part of a "coordinated campaign".
In a video, Chadha dismissed claims that he did not join opposition walkouts, terming the charge a "blatant lie".
He challenged his detractors to cite even a single instance where he failed to participate and said parliamentary proceedings are recorded through CCTV cameras.
Refuting another allegation that he refused to sign a motion related to the Chief Election Commissioner, Chadha said no party leader had asked him, either formally or informally, to sign it. He added that several other MPs from his party had also not signed the motion.
The MP said his focus in Parliament has been on raising public issues such as GST, income tax, air pollution in Delhi, water concerns in Punjab, public healthcare, education, railway passenger issues, menstrual health, unemployment and inflation.
Chadha said that he goes to Parliament to "create impact not ruckus" as it runs on taxpayers' money and it is his responsibility to highlight their concerns. "Every lie will be exposed," he said.
