Your samosa, jalebi now under govt scanner: New health warning boards to reveal what's inside
The health ministry is initiating an awareness campaign by installing "oil and sugar boards" in central institutions like AIIMS Nagpur, highlighting the hidden fat and sugar content in common Indian snacks. This move, akin to tobacco warnings, aims to combat India's growing obesity crisis and promote healthier eating habits.
Agencies Samosa, jalebi join cigarettes on health alert list: Govt orders 'oil & sugar' boards The jalebi may soon be served with a side of guilt, and your evening samosa might be accompanied by a health warning. The health ministry has directed all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install 'oil and sugar boards' — posters that highlight the hidden fat and sugar content in commonly consumed Indian snacks.According to a report by The Times of India, this initiative marks the beginning of a broader awareness campaign, likened to tobacco warnings on cigarette packets. The aim is to gradually position junk food risks in public consciousness in a similar way.These boards are set to be displayed in cafeterias and public areas, especially in government institutions, serving as quiet yet firm nudges about the health risks in everyday items like samosas, jalebis, laddoos, pakoras, and vada pav.Officials at AIIMS Nagpur have confirmed receipt of the directive and say implementation is underway.'This is the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings,' said Dr Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, in a quote to ToI. 'Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating.'
As per ToI, an internal note from the government has linked the move to India's growing obesity crisis. Projections suggest that by 2050, over 44.9 crore Indians could be overweight or obese , the second-highest in the world after the US. Currently, one in five urban adults is overweight, and rising childhood obesity due to poor diet and low physical activity has added to the concern.
'This is not about banning food,' senior diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta told ToI. 'But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds.'Doctors and public health experts see this as part of a larger fight against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension — many of which are diet-related. The initiative also ties into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Fit India' campaign and his push for a 10% reduction in national oil consumption.In Nagpur and other cities, the changes will be visible soon. Rather than imposing bans, the government is opting for bold, visual cues. Near every snack counter, a colourful reminder will quietly say it all: 'Eat wisely. Your future self will thank you.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
PIB busts myth: No health warnings issued on samosas and jalebis
India's Ministry of Health directed central institutions to display 'oil and sugar boards' to raise awareness about hidden fats and sugars in common foods. This initiative aims to promote healthier lifestyles and combat obesity and non-communicable diseases. Recently, India's beloved street snacks came under scrutiny, when the Ministry of Health directed all central government institutions to install prominent "oil and sugar boards", that warns citizens about the hidden fat and sugar content in everyday foods like samosas, jalebis, vada pavs. In a post on X, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed receiving the notice, lauding the Centre for the initiative. The research institute also shared its own 'Sugar Board' that will be displayed in its offices. All of this led to misleading news circulations where sugar and trans fats were considered the new tobacco. The intent of the move was to help inform people about what they eat and how they should eat. As soon as the news spread, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), fact checking wing on Tuesday said that the Union health ministry did not advise vendors to carry warning labels on popular Indian snacks and desserts. "The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebis, and laddoo," the PIB posted on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 요즘 SNS에서 핫한 그 반지, 기부로 받을 수 있다고? 굿네이버스 더 알아보기 Undo The PIB called the government's issue a general advisory a "behavioral nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and not specially to any particular food products." The clarification followed after the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare rolled out a public health initiative aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and combating the growing burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease. As per reports, the details in a letter issued by Union Healthy Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said, "We are proposing the display of Sugar and Oil Boards as an initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings. These boards serve as visual behavioural nudges in schools, offices, public institutions, etc., displaying key information about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods." "In the same spirit, I request you to issue directions kindly to Departments/Offices/autonomous bodies and other public institutions/organisations under your Ministry to install Oil and Sugar Board displays (Digital/ Static posters etc) in common areas (cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces) to raise awareness on harmful consumption," the letter read. All Images Courtesy: istock
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
From Masala Oats To Flavoured Dahi: 10 Everyday Indian Foods With Hidden Sugar And Oil
You might think you are eating clean - a healthy breakfast here, a "light" snack there, maybe something labelled high-protein or low-fat. But the truth is, many everyday Indian foods that we trust as nutritious are quietly packed with hidden sugar, processed oil and excessive salt. Whether it is something you grab during a busy workday or a cupboard staple marked as "natural", the gap between what is marketed as healthy and what actually supports your health is wider than ever. As more of us try to make smarter choices around diet and nutrition, it is worth asking: Are we being misled by what is on our plates? Also Read: 5 Foods High In Sugar That You Must Avoid 10 Everyday Indian Foods With Hidden Sugar And Oil: 1. Flavoured Yogurt Can Be Loaded With Sugar You might think yogurt is a healthy snack, but flavoured varieties can be loaded with sugar. Some popular brands pack up to 30 grams of sugar per 170-gram serving, which is more than a candy bar. The added flavourings and sweeteners can also include hidden oils. 2. Granola Bars Are Often High In Sugar And Oils Often marketed as a healthy snack, granola bars are more similar to candy bars than most people realise. They are packed with sugar, oils and unhealthy fats. Read the labels carefully to avoid falling into these sugary traps. 3. Instant Oatmeal Might Not Be As Healthy As It Seems It might seem like a wholesome breakfast option, but many oatmeal flavours are high in added sugars. Some packets can contain up to 15 grams of sugar per serving. That is a significant amount of sugar to start your day. You can swap your instant oatmeal with plain rolled oats for a healthier option. To elevate the flavour, you can add your own fruits and spices to the mix. 4. Canned Fruits Often Contain Sugary Syrup They might appear to be a nutritious choice, but many canned fruits are packed in syrup that is high in sugar. Look for options canned in water or natural juice instead. 5. Can Be Packed With Sugar And Fat Popular among fitness enthusiasts, protein shakes are not free of added sugars and oils. Some shakes can contain up to 20 grams of sugar and 10 grams of fat. Be cautious and choose ones with natural ingredients and minimal added sugars. 6. Trail Mix Can Be A Hidden Calorie Bomb The added chocolate chips, dried fruits and nuts can turn trail mix into a high-calorie snack. Rather, you can make your own trail mix at home with plain nuts, seeds and dried fruits to control the ingredients and portion sizes. Also Read: 6 Bedtime Foods That Won't Spike Your Blood Sugar 7. Energy Drinks Are High In Sugar Energy drinks are notorious for their sugar content. Some contain up to 40 grams of sugar per serving. Pay attention to the sugar content in your beverages and opt for natural energy boosters like fruits and nuts instead. 8. Flavoured Coffee Creamers Add Hidden Oils They might seem harmless, but many flavoured coffee creamers are high in sugar and oils. A better option is to go for natural creamers or milk alternatives. 9. Instant Noodles Are High In Oil And Sodium A convenient choice for a quick snack, instant noodles are often high in oils and sodium. The seasoning packets can also contain added sugars. Regular consumption of these noodles can adversely affect your blood sugar levels and overall health. 10. Dried Fruits May Have Added Sugar Or Oil Often recommended as a healthy snack, dried fruits can also be coated in oils or sugars. For a healthier alternative, look for unsweetened and unsulphured dried fruits. Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Hidden Sugar Ultraprocessed Foods ICMR Advisory Show full article Comments
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Study Reveals How Many Minutes You Should Walk Every Day To Avoid Back Pain
A new study has revealed the exact number of minutes an individual needs to walk every day to prevent chronic back pain. The population-based study published in JAMA Network Open found that people who walked over 78 minutes a day on average significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic back pain. Researchers analysed over 11,000 participants aged 20 years or older in Norway over several years. The participants wore an accelerometer on their right thigh and lower back to measure how much they walked throughout the day and at what pace. Afterwards, chronic back pain was reported if any low back pain lasted more than three months. The results showed that those walking between 78 and 100 minutes a day on average had a 13 per cent lower risk of developing chronic back pain than those who walked less than 78 minutes a day. "Walking for more than 100 minutes per day was associated with a 23 per cent lower risk of chronic low back pain compared with walking less than 78 minutes per day," the study added. Researchers said people who walked at a higher intensity also saw benefits, but these were less pronounced. "Our findings suggest that daily walking volume is more important than mean walking intensity in reducing the risk of chronic lower back pain," it stated. "These findings suggest that policies and public health strategies promoting walking could help to reduce the occurrence of chronic lower back pain." Also Read | "Time To Leave": Frustrated By Bengaluru's Traffic, Man Decides To Move To... The study findings are important as lower back pain has become an increasingly common ailment in individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, especially office goers who spend their days slumped over computers or in front of screens. Gluteus medius tendinosis, commonly known as "dead butt syndrome," is a disorder marked by a weak or inactive gluteus medius muscle. It is frequently brought on by extended sitting, driving, or excessive screen time. Sluggish glutes can result in other muscles and joints, especially in the lower back and knees, picking up the slack As per a 2022 study, the prevalence of low back pain in the Indian population was higher compared to global and other ethnic populations. The condition was more widespread in women, the rural population and elementary workers.
