Warning for jalebi and samosa lovers; Centre takes new decision

NEW DELHI: The central government has directed the display of warning boards indicating that foods high in oil and sugar are harmful to health. From now on, central government institutions selling items like jalebi, samosa, and cake will be required to put up such boards.

The Union Ministry of Health has instructed all central government institutions, including AIIMS, to display these warnings. The boards will specify the amount of fat and sugar contained in various snacks. This new move by the central government aims to improve public health. The directive also recommends displaying visually appealing posters for better public awareness.

The main objective of the boards is to create public awareness about the harmful levels of sugar and oil present in popular snacks. Items like laddu, vada, and pakoda will also be subject to inspection. These warning signs will soon be displayed in government canteens and public places.

“This is the beginning of making food labelling as serious as cigarette warnings,” said Dr. Amar Amale, President of the Cardiological Society of India’s Nagpur chapter. He added that people have a right to know what they are eating.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over rising obesity-related health issues in India. Experts warn that by 2050, over 44.9 crore Indians could be overweight or obese, prompting the government to take proactive steps to address this looming public health crisis.