Samosa, jalebi to carry cigarette-style warnings soon; experts say risks go beyond diabetes and heart diseases
According to a ToI report, the central health institutions, such as AIIMs Nagpur, have been instructed to install vivid 'oil and sugar boards' in cafeterias and public spaces. These informal posters will highlight the fat and sugar content in popular foods, effectively functioning like the health warning labels mentioned on cigarette packs.
Warning signs on samosas and jalebis: Why the move matters?
The initiative by the government includes the high-calorie, deep-fried, and sugar-loaded items, including jalebis and samosas, which will be included in an official 'health alert list,' as per the report.
The step has been taken to fight back against the rising alarm over lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and more. 'While samosas and jalebis are often associated with diabetes and heart disease, their impact on health goes far beyond these conditions. These deep-fried, high-calorie snacks can trigger a range of other serious health issues when consumed frequently,' says Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, and Co-founder of the Rang De Neela Initiative.
Risk of 'samosas and jalebis' goes beyond heart diseases and diabetes
According to Dr. Kovil, 'These high-calorie snacks contribute to obesity, which is a gateway to numerous chronic conditions. The refined flour (maida), sugar, and unhealthy fats lead to excessive calorie intake with minimal nutritional value, promoting fat accumulation, especially visceral fat.'
'Secondly, they may aggravate digestive problems. Deep-fried foods slow down digestion, often causing acidity, bloating, and constipation. The overuse of poor-quality oils and the reheating of fats can also produce harmful compounds that irritate the gut lining,' he added.
Samosas and jalebis also raise the risk of fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, even in non-diabetics, due to the excess fat and sugar burden on the liver. Additionally, high sugar intake has been linked to cognitive decline and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
Frequent consumption may also suppress immunity, increase inflammation, and disturb hormonal balance, contributing to conditions like PCOS in women. In short, these festive favourites can quietly harm multiple organ systems when eaten in excess.
Now, a health warning for samosa, jalebi. The Union health ministry has ordered all central institutions to install 'oil and sugar boards' — posters spelling out how much fat and sugar lurk in everyday snacks alerting citizens to sugar and oil content in snacks. Samosa, jalebi… pic.twitter.com/75iXEvWf18
'India's popular street foods join contentious list: equal to cigarettes in health warning'
India's popular street foods, jalebi and samosa, have joined a surprising and contentious list: equal to cigarettes in health warning. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued a recent advisory that has brought ultra-processed foods (UPFs) into focus and suggested increased labelling and consumer education. 'The ICMR, in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), identified the overabundance of sugar, salt, and unsaturated fats in foods such as samosas, jalebis, and processed food items as public health risk factors,' says Dr. Bhanu Mishra, Consultant-Nephrologist at BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr. Mishra adds, 'While cigarettes have addictive nicotine and actively induce cancer, UPFs primarily induce lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The report proposes such popular, culturally useful snacks are highly susceptible to excessive consumption and usage in ignorance of their health effects.'
Health workers are now supporting cigarette-style warnings on UPFs, ranging from brightly colored stickers to education campaigns. 'The recommendation has been contentious—some describe it as a wake-up call, others as an attack on authentic Indian food,' states Dr. Mishra.
However, the step is a reflection of increasing international interest in the outbreak of non-communicable diseases caused by unhealthy eating habits. While India is facing a health crisis, the step has the potential to create a milestone in the regulation and consumption of food.
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