Academy Of Nutrition Improvement & Ors vs Union Of India

The Supreme Court examined the constitutionality of Rule 44-I of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2005, which mandates that only iodized common salt can be sold for direct human consumption. The Court upheld the validity of the rule, emphasizing the government's role in public health and nutrition, particularly in combating Iodine Deficiency Disorders as per Section 7(iv) of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The Court concluded that the regulation serves a legitimate public interest and is within the legislative competence of the government, thus dismissing the petitioners' challenge.