Key Update

The Union government has said there is currently no proposal before the Ministry of Women and Child Development to design a front-of-pack labelling awareness drive in coordination with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to help consumers identify empty calories in ultra-processed snacks. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi clarified the government’s position in a written reply.

Understanding Hidden Hunger and HFSS Foods

The minister explained that “hidden hunger” refers to deficiencies in essential micronutrients. She added that HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) foods are those prepared using excessive cooking oil or fat or by adding high amounts of sugar or salt. These definitions follow guidelines from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.

Advisory to States on Reducing Sugar and Fat

The Centre has advised states and Union Territories to reduce the use of added sugar in supplementary nutrition programmes, including take-home rations and hot cooked meals provided to children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Authorities have also asked states to avoid HFSS foods across all age groups and to promote moderation in the consumption of edible oils, especially saturated fats, while eliminating trans fats.

Awareness Campaigns at the Community Level

States and Union Territories have been encouraged to organise targeted campaigns promoting balanced diets and healthy lifestyles among field functionaries, Anganwadi workers, and local communities. The minister highlighted the installation of oil and sugar awareness boards at Anganwadi centres, government offices, childcare institutions, ration shops, and other public places. These boards aim to spark conversations about dietary habits and help families understand the hidden sugar and oil content in commonly consumed foods.

Nutrition Awareness Drives

States are also conducting regular awareness programmes under Jan Andolan initiatives during Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada. These drives focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing childhood obesity, and encouraging people to reduce sugar and oil intake. Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India continues to run awareness initiatives under the Eat Right India movement, including campaigns such as “Aaj Se Thoda Kam”, “Stop Obesity”, and “Fight Obesity.”

Source: The Hindustan Times