Government plans bold front-of-pack labelling on popular snacks to combat rising lifestyle diseases
In a major public health move, the Indian government is preparing to introduce cigarette-style health warnings on high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods—starting with everyday favorites like samosas, jalebis, and other packaged snacks. The new guidelines aim to raise awareness about the health risks of processed and fried foods amid India’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Why the Change?
According to experts at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN):
- Foods rich in trans fats, refined sugar, and sodium are contributing to alarming rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
- Despite efforts to educate the public, HFSS foods remain widely consumed without clear health warnings.
The proposed move is inspired by tobacco-style labelling—with visually striking, front-of-pack alerts that could include red symbols, warning messages, or graphic icons to deter excessive consumption.
Expert Reactions
Health professionals applaud the decision. Dr. Rakesh Sharma, a senior nutritionist, said:
“Just like cigarettes, foods like deep-fried samosas or syrup-soaked jalebis can cause slow but serious health damage. Clear warnings are essential.”
Some packaged food industry players, however, have expressed concerns about the potential economic impact, especially on small vendors and traditional snack producers.
🇮🇳 What It Means for Consumers
Once implemented, consumers will start seeing visible warning signs on:
- Traditional sweets and snacks
- Deep-fried packaged items
- Fast foods with high levels of saturated fat or sugar
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is expected to release detailed implementation guidelines later this year.
Source: IndiaTimes – Samosa, jalebi to carry cigarette-style warnings soon
