New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- There is a tide in the affairs of state policy, which, taken at the peak, could improve market outcomes. What began years ago as online activism over the safety of the packaged stuff we consume has rallied its way up to the top judiciary.

Activists have argued that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) rules for makers of food and beverages retailed in packs are too lax.

Earlier this month, the regulator had reportedly rejected the idea of bright warnings on pack fronts, saying that displays of a black-and-white table of sugar, fat and salt content would suffice.

Upfront cautions, once found impractical by the FSSAI, have the Supreme Court's favour. The alleged duplicity of marketers has been ...