Supreme Court rejects PIL seeking WHO standards for chemicals in packaged food
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down a public interest petition (PIL) that called for the use of World Health Organization (WHO) norms to determine safe limits of certain chemicals found in packaged food and drinking water. Rejecting the plea, the apex court observed that the issue raised appeared to stem from an urban, elite-centric anxiety that does not reflect the everyday realities of a large part of the country.
The petition had questioned the safety standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which allow small quantities of substances such as antimony and DEHP in food items and bottled water. These chemicals can enter consumables through plastic containers and packaging. The petitioner had sought directions for replacing Indian standards with stricter global benchmarks set by the WHO.
While hearing the matter, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant highlighted the unequal access to basic facilities across India. He pointed out that millions still do not have reliable access to drinking water and cautioned against focusing on policy concerns that overlook the struggles of poorer and rural populations. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Justice said India cannot be understood only through the lens of its cities and affluent communities.
The plea argued that the limits fixed by FSSAI were not in line with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which requires regulators to keep international guidelines in mind while framing safety rules.
Antimony, when present beyond acceptable levels, can pose health risks and may contaminate food or water due to flaws in production or packaging. DEHP, a chemical added to plastics to improve flexibility, has been linked by studies to serious health concerns, including cancer and reproductive disorders.
The petitioner also challenged the standards issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 2022 that regulate the extent to which DEHP can migrate from plastic packaging into food products. It sought interim directions to enforce WHO norms until Indian regulations were reviewed.
In addition, the plea called for greater public awareness about the possible health effects of these substances and demanded an independent scientific evaluation of their long-term and combined impact on the human body.
The Supreme Court, however, declined to step in, making it clear that public health policies must be framed by balancing scientific concerns with the country’s economic limitations and existing infrastructure.
- With inputs from agencies
