Delhi High Court Supports Bigger Health Warnings on Pan Masala Packs

The Delhi High Court has upheld a regulation by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to increase the size of health warnings on Pan Masala packages to 50% of the front label. The court dismissed a plea by Pan Masala manufacturers, stating that the larger warnings are crucial for public health.

The bench, led by acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, noted that the intention behind the regulation is to make health warnings more noticeable to consumers. The court found that the increase from 3 millimeters to 50% of the front label is a suitable and effective measure.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had previously recommended larger warning labels for areca nut-containing products, similar to those on tobacco products. The court also mentioned that the FSSAI is considering increasing the size of health warnings on alcohol bottles.

The judgement came on July 9, following a plea by Pan Masala brands Rajnigandha, Tansen, and Mastaba, which sought to declare the regulation illegal and violative of the Constitution of India. The court, however, found the regulation to be justified and in line with public health objectives.