Alok Singh
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Bombay High Court, urging the Central and State Governments and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to strictly mandate cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles.
The petition, filed by social activist Yash Chilwar, highlights that the World Health Organization has classified alcohol as a ‘Class I carcinogen’ (a substance known to cause cancer). Yet, this information is not adequately conveyed to the public.
According to the plea, alcoholic beverages pose a serious cancer risk, and their packaging should prominently display this warning. However, such labelling is currently absent.
The petitioner argues that consumers have the right to complete and transparent information about the products they purchase and consume, including potential health hazards.
It has also been noted that several developed nations, including Ireland and South Korea, have already implemented mandatory warnings linking alcohol consumption to cancer.