Report

The Union Health Ministry has clarified that its recent advisory is aimed at promoting healthier eating habits, rather than imposing warning labels on popular snacks such as samosas, jalebis, or laddoos. The ministry called such media reports misleading and incorrect.  The advisory recommends placing “Oil and Sugar awareness Boards” in office lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, and meeting rooms. These awareness boards highlight the health risks associated with excessive oil and sugar intake, serving as behavioural nudges to encourage healthier food choices.

Focus on Awareness, Not Labels

Officials emphasised that the advisory does not target specific foods or mandate labelling by vendors or manufacturers. Instead, it seeks to create general awareness about hidden fats and sugars across all food categories. Workplaces are also encouraged to offer healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meals, and promote physical activity through steps like using stairs, short exercise breaks, and walking routes in office campuses.

Initiative Falls Under NP-NCD Programme to Curb Lifestyle Diseases

This initiative is part of the Health Ministry’s flagship National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). Experts warn that excessive oil and sugar consumption contributes significantly to rising obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related illnesses in India.

Source: DD News