The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Union of India and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on a writ petition filed by the Indian Sugar and Bioenergy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) seeking a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the use, marketing and labelling of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) and artificial sweeteners in food and beverage products.
The petition seeks a direction to FSSAI to undertake an independent, India-specific scientific evaluation of the long-term health effects of non-sugar sweeteners, including their impact on metabolic health, cardiovascular diseases, carcinogenicity, neurological health and prolonged consumption across different demographic groups. It also seeks public advisories highlighting the potential health implications of prolonged consumption, particularly for children, pregnant women, diabetics and other vulnerable groups.
ISMA has further prayed for directions requiring authorities to ensure that products containing artificial sweeteners are not marketed or labelled in a misleading manner by being portrayed as inherently ‘healthy’, ‘safe’, ‘diet’ or beneficial substitutes for sugar without equally prominent disclosure regarding the artificial sweeteners used. The petition also seeks stricter enforcement against misleading advertising and branding practices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Additionally, the association has sought mandatory front-of-pack labelling identifying the specific artificial sweetener used, along with appropriate warning statements and consumer disclosures. Pending completion of the proposed scientific evaluation, it has requested interim directions mandating prominent front-facing disclosures on all food and beverage products containing non-sugar sweeteners, including cautionary statements accompanying claims such as ‘Sugar Free’, ‘Zero Sugar’, ‘No Added Sugar’ and ‘Diet’.
The Court issued notice on the petition. Counsel appearing for the Union of India and FSSAI accepted notice. The Court directed the respondents to file their counter affidavits within two weeks, granted the petitioner two weeks thereafter to file a rejoinder, and listed the matter for further hearing on 29 September 2026.
