- By Iram Hussain
- Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:44 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Desi foods samosas and jalebis are relished in almost every Indian home. However, their high sugar and oil content have signifcantly raised health concerns. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed central institutions to install "oil and sugar boards" - colourful posters highlighting the amount of sugar and oil in these treats. Contrary to several media reports, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory promoting healthier workplace choices. It suggests displaying awareness boards in common areas, highlighting the risks of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items. This initiative aims to nudge people towards informed choices, encouraging them to be mindful of nutritional content in all food products rather than pointing out any specific items.
It has not issued a health warning specifically targeting traditional Indian sweets and snacks like samosas and jalebi. This move aims to educate consumers about the potential health risks associated with consuming high-calorie snacks. By promoting awareness, the government hopes to encourage healthier eating habits among citizens. This crucial step is part of a broader effort to combat lifestyle diseases and promote wellness. Comparing junk food with tobacco highlights the severity of its health impacts and paves the way for stricter regulations and greater awareness about the risks associated with consuming unhealthy foods.
There have been some media reports claiming that the Union Health Ministry has directed to issue Warning Labels on food products such as samosa, jalebi and laddoo. These media reports are misleading, incorrect, and baseless. The Union Health Ministry had separately issued an… pic.twitter.com/SG4TLjayn1
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025
What Led To This Move?
This initiative targets high-calorie, sugar-loaded and deep-fried foods to raise consumer awareness about their potential health risks. This significant step aims to curb the rising obesity epidemic, projected to affect 44.9 crores by 2050. These deep-fried and sugar-loaded snacks can also lead to obesity, certain types of cancer and cognitive decline. Furthermore, their high calorie and fat content can cause digestive issues and skin problems. Modelled after cigarette warning labels, vibrant posters will expose the concealed sugar and oil content in food items, promoting transparency and informed choices. Health experts commend this decision, acknowledging it as a crucial step in combating obesity.
Some media reports claim that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo. This claim is fake. The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food… pic.twitter.com/uGBNFaI4K5
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025
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Samosa and jalebi are declared as unhealthy (Image Credits: Canva)
AIIMS Nagpur officials have confirmed receipt of the circular, initiating preparations to display health warning boards across cafeterias and public areas. Dr. Amar Amale, president of the Nagpur chapter of the Cardiologic Society of India, applauded the initiative, stating, "It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings," highlighting the significance of this initiative in promoting public health awareness.
It's Not A Ban
The government emphasised that this initiative is not a ban on traditional snacks but rather an educational campaign aimed at informing the public about healthier choices. This effort aligns with Prime Minister Modi's "Fit India" movement which encourages a 10% reduction in oil consumption and promotes healthier lifestyle habits.