In a groundbreaking initiative, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has voiced profound concern over the health repercussions of packaged foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Recognizing this as a violation of the Right to Life and Right to Health for Indian citizens, the NHRC has issued a directive to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to reconsider its front-of-pack labeling strategy.
Established in 1993 with a mission to safeguard human rights in India, the NHRC’s action stems from a complaint filed on September 14, 2021, by Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi and Ms. Shirin Shabana Khan on behalf of the Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and Savitri Bai Phule Mahila Panchayat of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Commencing with notices to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the FSSAI on October 11, 2021, and February 9, 2022, respectively, the NHRC intervention prompted the FSSAI to introduce the Front of Pack Labelling (FOPL) draft regulation on September 20, 2022, now undergoing public scrutiny. FSSAI is currently reviewing the received comments, including the 4750 comments sent by PVCHR and its associates advocating for warning label FOPL.
Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi, co-complainant and Convenor of Savitri Bai Phule Mahila Panchayat, underscores the urgent need for clear warning labels, emphasizing the alarming rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Indians due to the consumption of high-sugar, high-salt, or high-fat packaged foods.
In a historic development, the NHRC, under Case Number 4227/90/0/2021, has formed a complete commission for this issue, as affirmed by Jai Kumar Mishra, Secretary-General of PVCHR. Emphasizing the significance of an alert or warning label, Mishra signifies a crucial moment for the movement championing a child’s right to healthy food and life.
Dr. Yuvraj Singh, commenting on FSSAI’s proposed India Nutrition Rating (INR), expresses concerns about considering unhealthy food as healthy by merely adding fruits or nuts. He highlights the flaws in a star rating system that might obscure the detrimental effects of certain products.
Ms. Shirin Shabana Khan, Program Director of PVCHR, expresses confidence in the full commission, urging adherence to scientific recommendations and the adoption of warning labels.
The NHRC’s latest order, dated May 31, 2023, instructs the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI to consider recommendations favoring warning labels over a star rating system. PVCHR persists in actively advocating for Front of Packet Labeling (FOPL) with a warning label, uniting diverse stakeholders for a healthier future for India’s children.