Recent reports indicate a growing emphasis on public health awareness regarding the nutritional content of popular Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis. While initial media reports suggested mandatory health warnings on these items, similar to those found on cigarette packs, the government has clarified that the initiative focuses on providing consumers with information to make informed choices, rather than imposing a ban.

The Union Health Ministry is spearheading an awareness drive, urging government institutions to display boards detailing the oil and sugar content in common snacks. This initiative aims to combat the rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. Nagpur is the first city to implement this initiative, with AIIMS Nagpur already displaying posters in cafeterias and common areas. These posters aim to highlight the hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods, promoting moderation rather than complete restriction.

This move is not about banning specific foods but about empowering citizens with knowledge. For example, a poster might state, "One gulab jamun = 5 teaspoons of sugar," encouraging individuals to reconsider their consumption habits. Health experts emphasize that excessive consumption of fried and sugary snacks contributes significantly to lifestyle diseases. Studies show a concerning rise in obesity rates, with projections estimating that nearly 450 million Indians could be obese by 2050.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in regulating food labeling and packaging in India. FSSAI's regulations ensure transparency and safety for consumers by mandating the display of essential details on packaged foods, such as the name of the food, ingredients, nutritional information, and manufacturer details. FSSAI is also considering implementing front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) to help consumers quickly identify foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. One proposed FOPL system is the health-star rating, which ranks packaged food items based on their nutritional content.

The current food regulations require all packaged food items to display their nutritional content, calories per unit of food, and levels of fat, salt, sugar and added sugar, among other ingredients. The FSSAI has approved new labeling rules requiring manufacturers to display saturated fat, salt, and sugar levels in bold letters and large fonts on packaged food items. This will empower consumers to better understand the nutritional value of food items.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Fit India" campaign, promoting a healthier lifestyle and aiming for a reduction in national oil consumption. By increasing awareness and promoting informed food choices, the government hopes to curb the rise of obesity and related health issues in India.