The North News
New Delhi, July 15
The Union Health Ministry has dismissed media reports claiming it has ordered warning labels on traditional Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis, and laddoos, calling them “misleading, incorrect, and baseless.” In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry clarified that no directive has been issued to label food products sold by vendors. Rather, it had released a general advisory aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices in workplaces, not targeting specific food items or India’s street food culture.
The advisory encourages workplaces to display informative boards in areas such as lobbies, cafeterias, and meeting rooms. These boards are intended to raise awareness about the health risks associated with consuming foods high in hidden fats and added sugars, a growing concern given the country’s rising rates of obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses. “This is a behavioural nudge, not a ban or labelling directive,” an official said. The advisory is part of the ministry’s efforts under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
The advisory also promotes positive lifestyle changes, including eating fruits and vegetables, choosing low-fat options, and incorporating regular physical activity through steps like using stairs, encouraging walking, and short exercise breaks. The Health Ministry reiterated that its intent is to inform, not restrict, and that India’s diverse culinary traditions remain respected and unaffected by the advisory.
