Govt Orders Warning Boards on Sugar, Oil Content in Canteens to Tackle Rising Obesity
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has directed all central government canteens and restaurants to display "oil and sugar boards" that highlight the amount of sugar, fat, and oil present in commonly consumed food items such as samosas, jalebis, kachoris, pizzas, pakoras, banana chips, burgers, soft drinks, and chocolate pastries.
These posters and digital displays, modelled after tobacco warning labels, are intended to raise public awareness about the health risks of excessive sugar and fat consumption.
They also include recommended daily intake limits and illustrate the link between unhealthy diets and non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Cardiologist Dr Amar Amle from Nagpur told IANS, "The colourful posters will tell how much sugar and oil is hidden in the breakfast we eat every day. Obesity has become a silent epidemic, and the number is estimated to increase to 44.9 crores by 2050. Hence, this step of the government is highly commendable and will help curb obesity. The warning boards are similar to those on cigarettes and tobacco."
He added, "The idea behind this is that people should be aware of their health, people should know while eating samosa and jalebi how much sugar, oil and fat is there in the food they are eating."
Member of Parliament Milind Deora also commented on the initiative through a post on social media platform X, noting that the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee is currently reviewing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s plans to combat the obesity crisis.
He said, "We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn’t unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked."
Earlier this year, the Central Board of Secondary Education issued a directive for schools to install "sugar boards" to educate children about the sugar content in everyday foods and beverages.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell at the Kerala State Indian Medical Association, told IANS, "Excessive consumption of sugar and oil, along with lack of physical activity, is a major driver of obesity and NCDs. Early nutritional awareness is crucial. Providing clear labelling and dietary education in schools empowers children to make healthier food choices before these chronic conditions set in."
Experts believe the initiative could contribute meaningfully to India's public health goals by encouraging more informed food choices among citizens.
(with inputs from IANS)
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.