Report

Rajya Sabha BJP MP Sujeet Kumar on Friday urged the government to enforce stricter regulations on packaged foods and introduce higher taxes to curb the significant rise in junk food consumption. He emphasized that without immediate action, the growing trend could lead to severe health consequences for the population.

Link Between Junk Food and Non-Communicable Diseases

Addressing the issue during Zero Hour, the MP from Odisha linked the surge in junk food consumption to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. He pointed out that junk food, loaded with unhealthy fat, sugar, and salt but offering little nutritional value, has become a major dietary staple. “The intake of junk food has increased alarmingly,” Kumar stated.

Furthermore, citing a 2023 WHO report, he highlighted a staggering 40-fold rise in packaged junk food consumption between 2006 and 2019. Moreover, he stressed that excessive junk food consumption, combined with an unhealthy lifestyle, significantly contributes to the rise in NCDs. Referring to an ICMR report, he noted that deaths linked to NCDs had surged from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016, reinforcing the urgent need for intervention.

Concerns Over Impact on Children

In addition to the rising NCD burden, Kumar expressed deep concern over children’s growing addiction to junk food. He argued that aggressive advertising campaigns specifically target young audiences, making them more vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits. “Children make up nearly 41% of our population. If they grow up unhealthy, our demographic dividend could turn into a liability,” he warned. Therefore, he urged policymakers to address the issue before it escalates further.

Call for Stronger Regulations and Consumer Awareness

Beyond the health risks, Kumar also criticized food brands for offering superior-quality products in Western nations while selling lower-cost, inferior versions in India. He stated, “They prioritize profits over the well-being of Indian citizens, taking advantage of regulatory gaps.” Consequently, he urged the government to strengthen regulations to ensure that Indian consumers receive the same quality of food as their Western counterparts.

To tackle these issues, Kumar proposed several measures, including stricter FSSAI norms, a possible health tax on junk food, and clearer labelling of ingredients on packaged foods. He emphasized that these steps would not only promote consumer awareness but also encourage healthier food choices across the country.

Source: The Hindustan Times