Zero Sugar? Delhi High Court Issues Notice On Plea Seeking India-Specific Study On Health Impact Of Artificial Sweeteners
The Delhi High Court has recently issued notice on a plea seeking an India-specific scientific evaluation of the long-term health implications of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) and artificial sweeteners.Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma sought response of the Union Government and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) within two weeks. The Court was dealing with a plea filed by...
The Delhi High Court has recently issued notice on a plea seeking an India-specific scientific evaluation of the long-term health implications of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) and artificial sweeteners.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma sought response of the Union Government and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) within two weeks.
The Court was dealing with a plea filed by the Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association. The matter has been listed for hearing on September 29.
The petition seeks a direction upon FSSAI to undertake a “comprehensive, independent and India-specific” scientific evaluation of the long-term health effects associated with non-sugar sweeteners and artificial sweeteners, including their impact on metabolic health, cardiovascular disease, carcinogenicity, neurological health and long-term consumption patterns across different demographic groups in India.
It further seeks issuance of public advisories and consumer awareness measures regarding prolonged consumption of such sweeteners, particularly for children, adolescents, pregnant women, diabetic individuals and other vulnerable groups.
A further direction is sought upon the authorities to ensure that the packaging, labelling and marketing of products containing artificial sweeteners are not false or misleading and do not portray such products as “healthy”, “safe”, “diet” or "zero sugar" substitutes without adequate disclosure.
Additionally, the plea seeks strengthening of regulatory framework by mandating prominent front-of-pack disclosures identifying the specific artificial sweeteners used in food and beverage products, along with appropriate warning statements.
Pending completion of the scientific evaluation, interim directions are sought to introduce and implement interim Front-of-Pack Labelling and prominent front-facing disclosure requirements for all food and beverage products containing artificial sweeteners.
Title: INDIAN SUGAR AND BIOENERGY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS