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The Indian Ministry of Health's recent initiative to display sugar and oil content information on popular snacks like samosas, kachoris, pizza, burgers, french fries, soft drinks, gulab jamun, jalebi, and vada pav has sparked a debate among nutrition experts. While the intention behind this initiative is to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the growing problem of obesity and non-communicable diseases, many dietitians and nutritionists argue that the focus should primarily be on ultra-processed foods. They contend that these highly processed items pose a significantly greater threat to public health due to their composition and the way they are marketed and consumed. The Ministry's letter, dated June 21, emphasizes the importance of visual behavioral nudges to inform the public about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods. This includes displaying relevant information in schools, offices, and public institutions. Furthermore, the Ministry has called for printing health messages on official stationery to reinforce daily reminders about the importance of fighting obesity. While some reports have suggested the implementation of “cigarette-style” warnings on unhealthy food items, the official notification does not explicitly mention this approach. Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), conducted between 2019 and 2021, reveals that over one in five adults in urban areas are either overweight or obese. Experts emphasize that obesity is a major risk factor for various non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It also has a detrimental impact on mental health, mobility, and overall quality of life. This is why the ministry has been pushing for strategies that would help create awareness and encourage healthier eating habits.
Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has voiced her concerns regarding the Ministry's approach, arguing that ultra-processed food products are the real culprit. She points out that there is substantial evidence to support this claim. In her Instagram post, Diwekar draws a parallel with tobacco, highlighting that it is an independent risk factor that causes harm regardless of environmental or lifestyle factors. She questions the focus on traditional snacks like samosas and jalebi, asking, “Samosa and jalebi ne aapka kya bigada hai?” (What harm have samosas and jalebi done to you?). Diwekar asserts that if health warnings are genuinely intended to be effective, they should be primarily directed towards colas, chips, cookies, and other ultra-processed foods. She also advocates for regulating and taxing large food companies that produce these items. Certified diabetes educator and dietician Kanikka Malhotra agrees with Diwekar's perspective, emphasizing that ultra-processed packaged foods, such as chips, namkeens, savory snacks, sugary drinks, and ready-to-eat meals, are often more problematic than traditional snacks. While traditional Indian snacks like samosas, vada pav, and jalebi are typically deep-fried, calorie-dense, and contain significant amounts of saturated fat and added sugars, Malhotra argues that ultra-processed foods pose a greater risk due to their complex composition. She explains that these foods not only contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium but also include food additives, emulsifiers, synthetic colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers that are not present in homemade or conventional versions. These ingredients can negatively affect gut health, metabolic risk, and even lead to food addiction. Malhotra also notes that the Indian diet is rapidly shifting towards the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which is displacing healthier options like home-cooked meals. This trend further exacerbates public health risks.
Clinical dietitian Garima Goyal acknowledges that while ultra-processed foods are a major concern, traditional fried foods like samosas and jalebi are not entirely “harmless.” She points out that regular consumption of these snacks, especially in sedentary lifestyles or as replacements for real meals, can be detrimental, particularly for individuals with diabetes, heart conditions, or obesity. Goyal emphasizes the importance of awareness and moderation when it comes to both ultra-processed and traditional snacks. She states, “So while I agree ultra-processed foods are the bigger concern, we shouldn’t glorify traditional deep-fried snacks either. Awareness and moderation should apply to both.” Malhotra echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that both categories of food warrant attention. She explains that ultra-processed foods deserve prominent warnings due to their additives and high hidden sugar, fat, and salt content. However, she also asserts that traditional snacks like samosas and jalebi, which can be nearly as calorie-dense and nutrient-poor, should not be exempt from scrutiny. Malhotra stresses that the focus should be on the degree of processing, nutritional quality, and actual health risk, rather than nostalgia or tradition alone. She emphasizes that it is not a competition between vada pav and potato chips, as both can harm public health when consumed frequently and in excess. Malhotra believes that the ultimate goal should be to redefine convenience and taste to prioritize health, whether at home, in restaurants, or in packaged formats.
In conclusion, Malhotra advocates for nuanced nutrition education and labeling. She suggests that warnings should prioritize ultra-processed foods but also cover energy-dense, low-nutrient traditional snacks, especially if they are sold in a mass-produced setting, as their regular intake can be similarly harmful. The debate highlights the complexities of addressing public health concerns related to diet and nutrition. While the Ministry of Health's initiative to display sugar and oil content information is a step in the right direction, it is crucial to consider the broader context of the Indian diet and the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods. A comprehensive approach that combines education, regulation, and promotion of healthier alternatives is necessary to effectively combat obesity and non-communicable diseases. This requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, healthcare professionals, food manufacturers, and the public. Education campaigns can raise awareness about the health risks associated with both ultra-processed and traditional unhealthy foods, empowering individuals to make informed choices. Regulations can limit the marketing and availability of unhealthy foods, particularly to children. Promotion of healthier alternatives, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can make it easier for people to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet. Ultimately, the goal is to create a food environment that supports and encourages healthy eating habits for all Indians. By addressing the issue of ultra-processed foods and promoting mindful consumption of traditional snacks, India can take significant strides towards improving public health and reducing the burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The dialogue between the Health Ministry and nutrition experts is a crucial step in developing effective strategies to achieve this goal.