
Samosas, jalebis join cigarettes on health alert list, to carry warnings soon: Report
Central health institutions such as AIIMS Nagpur have been instructed to install vivid 'oil and sugar boards' in cafeterias and public spaces, according to a report in the Times of India. These informational posters will highlight fat and sugar content in popular foods, effectively functioning like health warning labels on cigarettes
The initiative extends to high-calorie, deep-fried and sugar-loaded items - such as jalebis and samosas - which will be included in an official 'health alert list', the report adds.
Why the move matters
The move comes amid growing alarm over lifestyle diseases in India. Health experts point to sugar and trans fats as major contributors to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease
Projections suggest over 449 million Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050, pushing the country to become the world's second-largest center of obesity.
Not a ban
The government though, clarified that this is not a ban. The campaign seeks to empower the public with information, and not outlaw traditional snacks,
This initiative dovetails with PM Modi's 'Fit India' movement, urging a 10 percent cut in oil use and healthier living choices

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The Hindu
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India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
Bad news for Samosa, Jalebi lovers as Modi govt issues order saying..., Samosas will now be...
Samosa Jalebi Big news for Samosa-Jalebi lovers: In a big step towards controlling fast foods like Samosas and Jalebis due to their profound impact on the health of Indians, the Union Health Ministry has reportedly issued a directive to put up oil and sugar boards warning the amount of sugar, fat, and oil in samosas and jalebis in all government canteens and restaurants. The reports have suggested that in order to curb the growing levels of obesity and boost the Fit India initiative, the health ministry has directed all central institutions to install 'oil and sugar boards' similar to tobacco warnings on cigarette packets. Why samosas, kachori, pizzas dangerous for health? The informative posters and digital boards highlight the harmful impacts of the amount of sugar and oil present in popular food items, including samosas, kachori, pizza, pakoras, banana chips, burgers, soft drinks, and chocolate pastries. It also displays the effects of these foods on the human body as well as shares the recommended amounts of fat and sugar for individual intake. 'The colourful posters will tell how much sugar and oil is hidden in the breakfast we eat every day,' cardiologist Dr. Amar Amle from Nagpur, told IANS. Expert view on why Obesity has become silent epidemic? 'Obesity has become a silent epidemic, and the number is estimated to increase to 44.9 crores by 2050, hence this step of the government is highly commendable, and will help curb obesity. The warning boards are similar to those on cigarettes and tobacco,' Amle said. Why CBSE installed 'sugar boards' in schools Notably, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had issued a directive to schools to install 'sugar boards' in schools in May this year. Health experts noted that the public health measure also aligns with global nutrition goals, and will help India fight the menace of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. (With inputs from agencies)