Samosas, Jalebis to carry cigarette‑style health warnings: Govt to flags hidden fat and sugar
According to a Times of India report, the Union Health Ministry has ordered all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install 'oil and sugar boards'.
These boards are vivid posters that will show how much hidden fat and sugar lurk in everyday snacks, aiming to treat junk food like tobacco.
The TOI report said that the board will act as a quiet but pointed reminder to citizens of the sugar and oil content in snacks considered cultural staples.
These boards are being made mandatory in all government institutions, especially in the cafeterias and public areas.
Confirming the directive, AIIMS Nagpur officials said, "It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings."
Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, told TOI that sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. 'People deserve to know what they're eating.'
Yes, until it is steamed, sugar-free and fat-free, it is under the scanner.
Laddoo, vada pav, pakora, samosa, jalebi, and every fried and sweet snack staple to Indian culture are all under scrutiny.
The internal note by the health ministry is an attempt to highlight the country's growing obesity crisis. Today, more than 44.9 crore Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050, placing the country second only to the US.
One in five Indian urban adults is overweight already.
The rise in childhood obesity, driven by poor diet and low activity, deepens the concern.
Senior diabetologist Sunil Gupta told TOI that this new directive is not about banning food, but making people more aware of what they are consuming.
'But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds,' he said.
Doctors and health experts view this as part of the wider fight against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension—all of which are closely tied to dietary habits.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
31 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Vimal Wellness: Reimagining Oils for a Healthier India
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 15: In a world where wellness is no longer a luxury but a lifestyle, Vimal Wellness steps forward with a quiet but powerful promise: to nourish, to care, and to evolve with its consumers. Curated as a wellness essential rather than just a cooking choice, Vimal Wellness is a fresh expression of everyday nourishment; it is a re-imagination of how edible oils can power the everyday health journeys of millions. A Legacy Reinvented Since 1993, Vimal Healthy Oils has been a trusted presence in Indian kitchens--known for its quality, reliability, and everyday nourishment. As consumer awareness continues to grow, so do their expectations. With evolving lifestyles, diverse dietary needs, and a deeper interest in preventive health, the opportunity was clear: to offer more choices, not replacements. Vimal Wellness was born to complement this journey- introducing a new range of edible oils that cater to the evolving definitions of wellness, while staying true to the values Vimal Healthy Oils has always stood for. Wellness, Pressed Cold and Served Pure At the heart of Vimal Wellness is a meticulously crafted portfolio of cold-pressed and gourmet oils--designed not just for taste, but for transformative health benefits. Cold pressing extracts oil in its most natural state, helping retain the original nutrients, antioxidants, and aroma of the seed- without altering their structure through heat or processing. Each bottle in the Vimal Wellness portfolio is crafted with intention--designed not just for superior cooking, but for nourishing lives every single day. The brand's portfolio features: - Cold Pressed Oils: Mustard, Sesame, Groundnut, and Coconut Oil - Gourmet Oils: Premium Sunflower Oils, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Extra Virgin Avocado Oil From cold-pressed staples to gourmet innovations, the Vimal Wellness range is built to adapt--not dictate. Each oil plays a unique role in supporting your lifestyle, your cooking style, and your evolving health priorities. And while no single oil can do it all, the right mix can. That's why Vimal Wellness embraces the belief that health isn't a one-size-fits-all approach- a reminder that health is not a fixed formula, but a fluid journey. By offering oils for different moments, moods, and meals, the brand empowers consumers to choose better--not just once, but every day. Among the crown jewels of the Vimal Wellness range is the Extra Virgin Avocado Oil-- extracted from premium Spanish-origin Hass avocados, known for their rich texture and nutrient density. A product that combines global superfood status with everyday Indian usability, it is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. With a naturally high smoke point of around 250°C, it's ideal for everything from salad dressings and sauteing to high-heat Indian cooking and even skincare rituals. In a market where avocados were once a luxury limited to niche shelves, Vimal Wellness is one of the first Indian brands to make Extra Virgin Avocado Oil accessible across the country. With robust distribution and a purposefully inclusive approach, Vimal Wellness is making this powerhouse ingredient a part of everyday Indian cooking--bridging the gap between conscious nutrition and daily convenience. Designed for the New Indian Kitchen The Vimal Wellness consumer is not defined by age or region--but by mindset. It is for the home cook in Ahmedabad choosing heart-smart oils, the fitness enthusiast in Bangalore meal prepping with avocado oil, the millennial in Mumbai scanning for cold-pressed authenticity, and the mother in Delhi reading every label before placing it in her cart. To meet them where they are, Vimal Wellness is launching with a strong omnichannel presence, from quick commerce partnerships to a dedicated D2C platform. Accessible, exquisite and intuitive--the Vimal Wellness experience mirrors the purity and thoughtfulness of its products, offering a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and everyday usability. Crafted with Intention, Guided by Nature While the industry moves at scale, Vimal Wellness focuses on quality through a process that values precision, purity, and care in every step. Sourced from organically grown seeds and extracted using traditional cold-pressed methods, each bottle carries the essence of soil, sunlight, and sincerity. Inspired by ancestral methods but guided by modern food science, the brand treats wellness with reverence--not trendiness. Vimal Wellness is grounded in the belief that wellness should be a shared experience- not a privilege. With a focus on purity, purpose, and thoughtful creation, the brand brings a sense of quiet luxury to everyday life--seamlessly integrating into routines across both traditional households and modern lifestyles. Wellness with a Wider Purpose With this launch, Vimal Wellness joins a growing chorus of homegrown brands redefining everyday essentials. But what sets it apart is scale--with the manufacturing strength, retail presence, and brand equity of Vimal Healthy Oils behind it, the impact is bound to be deeper, faster, and far-reaching. It's not just about entering a market--it's about leading a movement. One that invites India to question: What's in my oil? And more importantly: What's in it for my health? You can now find the entire Vimal Wellness range at your nearest Nature's Basket store, or shop online via Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and the official website
New Indian Express
37 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Yoga and Pranayam crucial for mental peace: President Murmu
BHUBANESWAR : A change in lifestyle and Indian way of healthy living - yoga and pranayam - are key to mental peace, health and cure for depression, opined President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. Addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar here, Murmu said depression is becoming a major issue in the society and medicine alone is not enough for its treatment. 'Apart from medicine, awareness and counselling is also necessary to treat depression. Lifestyle changes can provide mental peace, while yoga and pranayam, an integral part of Indian life, also play a significant role in mental health,' Murmu said. She said advanced research in medical science was making treatment easier, and advised doctors to focus on solving local problems. Highlighting that two diseases - Japanese Encephalitis and Sickle Cell Anaemia - are prominent in the tribal society, Murmu stressed that doctors should do as much research as possible for the treatment of these diseases. 'AIIMS-Bhubaneswar is a contribution of visionary leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The institute has grown significantly over the last 12 years. In the last one year, more than 10 lakh outdoor patients have received treatment in AIIMS-Bhubaneswar while 17 lakh diagnostic tests and 25,000 surgeries have also been conducted,' the President said. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said in a little span of over one decade, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar has become a beacon of excellence in medical education, research and patient care. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the Odisha government stands committed to supporting institutions like AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research and ensuring quality medical services for everyone in the state. 'Looking ahead, we envision Odisha as a hub of medical excellence and innovation, with AIIMS-Bhubaneswar playing a vital role,' he added. Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan called upon graduating doctors to be more conscious about their duties and take care of the aspirational society. A total of 59 gold medals were awarded to meritorious students of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar from different disciplines in the convocation ceremony. Around 643 students were also conferred degrees including 196 MBBS degrees, 158 MS, 49 MDs and 116 post-doctoral fellows.
Hindustan Times
38 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Workshop held to spread awareness among women waste pickers on using proper footwear
New Delhi, A workshop was organised in the national capital to spread awareness among women waste pickers on the health risks of working barefoot and the importance of using proper footwear while handling waste on landfills and urban streets. Workshop held to spread awareness among women waste pickers on using proper footwear The session, organised by Chintan, in collaboration with Barefoot Warriors, was attended by 30 women waste pickers. It focused on the ways in which adequate footwear can prevent injuries, infections and long-term health complications arising from prolonged exposure to unsafe working conditions. Through live demonstrations, stories and interactive discussions, the workshop sought to address commonly held perceptions among waste pickers that shoes are uncomfortable, unnecessary, or inaccessible. The workshop aimed to build awareness about how proper footwear serves as a tool for safety, physical well-being and dignity, especially for women working in harsh environments. Women waste pickers frequently suffer from cuts, punctures and abrasions while handling mixed waste. These open wounds, when left untreated or exposed to contaminated materials, often result in infections that can require medical attention. Prolonged walking on uneven terrain in unsuitable footwear, such as worn-out chappals, can also lead to slips, falls and chronic musculoskeletal pain. "The youth today is growing up in an unequal, uncertain, melting world. Chintan is therefore really glad to help a Keshav Sekhri, a young Indian, addressing these crises in an impactful way," said Chintan founder Bharati Chaturvedi. The workshop was facilitated by Keshav Sekhri, founder of Barefoot Warriors, an initiative that works towards collecting and distributing used footwear to people in need. Chintan is an environmental research and action group. Health issues arising from such conditions not only endanger safety but also impact livelihoods, as many workers are forced to take time off from work due to injury or illness, resulting in loss of income. A statement from Chintan said Barefoot Warriors has a dedicated team of nine people and a cobbler who manage the collection, cleaning, repair and refurbishment of donated shoes. The refurbished footwear is stored at Chintan's Micro Material Recovery Facility located at Bengali Market, which is dedicated to this purpose. Distribution drives are organised based on assessed needs. For instance, among women waste pickers working barefoot at landfills and care is taken to ensure that each person receives a pair that fits and suits their work requirements. So far, the initiative has collected and refurbished 6,000 pairs of shoes, out of which 5,000 pairs have been distributed. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
