Does Indian government issue health warning on samosas, jalebis? Here's the truth
Does the Health Ministry's advisory include any warning labels on popular Indian snacks like samosas, jalebi, and laddoos? Here's the fact check.
By Joy Pillai Edited by Joy Pillai
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Does Indian government issue health warning on samosas, jalebis? Here's the truth
New Delhi: A report by several media outlets has gone viral on social media, claiming that the Union Health Ministry had issued health warnings against popular Indian snacks like samosas, jalebi, and laddoos. However, the Fact Check unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has debunked these claims and clarified that the Ministry has neither issued any warning labels nor singled out any popular snacks sold by local vendors.
PIB Fact Check took to X and wrote, 'Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo.'
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'This claim is fake,' PIB shared. '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,' the post added.
Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo.#PIBFactCheck
✅This claim is #fake
✅The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors,… pic.twitter.com/brZBGeAgzs
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 15, 2025
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What Was The Warning And Why So Much Confusion?
Yesterday, some reports claimed that Ministry of Health had issued an order to government canteens and restaurants to put up an information board mentioning details such as the amount of oil, sugar, and fat in popular Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis. The ministry, as claimed by the reports, also directed to cover other food products such as burgers, soft drinks, pizza, and chocolate pastries.
The Ministry took the move reportedly to raise awareness about unhealthy food items and eating habits, highlighting rising obesity levels in India and supporting the Fit India initiative.
Fit India Initiative
Fit India Initiative is the central government's campaign that encourages people of India to live and follow healthy and active life. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the gathering at the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, requested countrymen to adopt fitness as part of daily routine. During his monthly radio show – Mann Ki Baat – he also urged for a 10 percent decrease in obesity levels.
What Shiv Sena Minister Said?
On Monday, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora took to X and wrote that a Parliamentary committee is currently evaluating labelling guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He demanded consistent rules for all food products that include alcohol.
'We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked,' Deora had said.
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