The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to apprise it about all the steps taken under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2018. The SC said that the labels on bags of fortified rice should also advise that it is harmful for people suffering from sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

A bench of Justice SK Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia also asked the Central Government to file an affidavit within four weeks and give information about the steps taken.

It is known that Rajesh Krishnan and many others had filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding that there should be mandatory labeling on sacks of fortified rice under Section 7(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Food) Regulations, 2018.

While hearing this petition, the bench said that a lawyer will appear in the court on behalf of the Center and he will tell what steps have been taken in relation to the subject matter of the complaint in the present petition and whether any action has been taken in this matter earlier or not. The bench said that an affidavit should be filed in this matter within four weeks.

It is to be noted that under the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Food) Regulations, 2018, every package of food rich in micronutrient iron should carry a label stating that people suffering from Thalassemia may be kept under medical supervision. And people suffering from sickle cell anemia are advised not to consume iron-fortified food products.