India’s front-of-pack nutrition labelling faces crucial review
October 22, 2026
Food and beverage manufacturers selling into India could soon face significant changes to front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPNL) requirements, with a Supreme Court decision on proposed warning labels for foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat expected in the coming weeks.
The outcome could have significant implications for product labelling, packaging and reformulation strategies, making it important for businesses to assess their portfolios ahead of the final decision.
FSSAI’s warning label proposal awaits Supreme Court ruling
On September 28, 2026, the Supreme Court reserved judgment on the FSSAI’s proposed warning labels for foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat.
The Court raised questions around mandatory implementation, compliance timelines, the treatment of existing stock, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the distinction between added and naturally occurring sugars.
The outcome will help determine how and when warning label requirements are introduced across India’s food and beverage sector.
From nutrition ratings to mandatory warning labels
India’s FoPNL journey has evolved considerably in recent years. Following years of debate around the FSSAI’s Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) scheme, momentum accelerated in 2026 following sustained pressure from the Supreme Court of India.
In February, the Court directed authorities to advance the implementation of FoPNL. In August, it rejected arguments that Indian dietary norms should diverge from international practices and criticised the FSSAI’s failure to introduce warning labels on packaged foods.
In response, the FSSAI proposed a new front-of-pack warning system featuring prominent red hexagonal symbols for foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, alongside phased implementation timelines for industry compliance.
On September 10, the Court voiced concerns around the proposed phased timelines, nutrient thresholds and warning designs, raising the possibility that both phases may ultimately need to be implemented together.
What could this mean for businesses?
With the Supreme Court’s decision expected in the coming weeks, businesses have limited time to assess the potential impact of India’s evolving FoPNL framework.
Businesses with products high in sugar, salt or saturated fat may face the greatest impact and should assess their portfolios now to identify products that could exceed the proposed nutrient thresholds. Early assessment could help businesses evaluate reformulation opportunities, anticipate packaging changes and prepare for potentially accelerated compliance timelines before the final requirements are confirmed.
Depending on the outcome, businesses may need to consider:
- Changes to product labelling and packaging artwork
- Evaluation of reformulation opportunities where products may exceed proposed nutrient thresholds for sugar, salt or saturated fat
- Existing stock requirements, including how and when current packaging can continue to be used
- Portfolio implications across products and categories
- Accelerated compliance timelines and associated implementation costs
- Implications for new product development and innovation pipelines
Businesses should therefore begin assessing their portfolios now rather than waiting for the final details to be confirmed.
Monitoring regulatory developments closely will be particularly important as nutrient thresholds, implementation timelines and compliance expectations become clearer.
Navigating India’s changing FoPNL landscape
Keeping pace with India’s changing front-of-pack nutrition labelling regulations can be challenging.
Through its membership programme and specialist regulatory consulting services, Leatherhead Food Research helps food and beverage businesses respond to regulatory developments through targeted horizon scanning, regulatory impact assessments and practical compliance guidance.
