A recent health advisory recommending the display of “oil and sugar boards” in public and workplace settings has sparked debate, with some reports alleging selective targeting of traditional Indian snacks such as samosas, kachoris, and vadapav.
In response, however, the Union Health Ministry has issued a clarification, calling these reports “misleading, incorrect, and baseless.”
In a statement issued here, the Ministry made it clear that it has not mandated warning labels on traditional Indian snacks or any food products sold by vendors.
“The Health Ministry Advisory does not direct Warning Labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. It does not target India’s rich street food culture,” it said.
Rather, the Ministry had earlier released a general advisory aimed at promoting healthier food choices in workplace settings. This advisory is part of a broader public health initiative under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), said the statement.
The advisory encourages the installation of informational boards in common workplace areas such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, and meeting rooms. These boards are designed to raise awareness about the consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various foods and serve as daily prompts to combat rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the country, it said.
The Ministry emphasised that the advisory is a behavioural nudge, not a regulatory measure, and does not single out specific Indian food items. It also includes messaging to promote consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat alternatives, and encourages physical activity through initiatives such as stair usage, short exercise breaks, and accessible walking routes within office premises.
“The general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware about hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products and not specifically to any particular food product. The Advisory mentions other health messages such as promoting healthy meals such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat options along with making suggestions for opting for physical activity such as encouraging use of stairs, organising short exercise breaks and facilitating walking routes,” it added.
The clarification comes amid growing concern over lifestyle-related diseases in India, with health authorities working to encourage preventive strategies without undermining cultural food practices.
(UNI)
