Union Health Ministry has clarified that recent media reports claiming it directed warning labels on popular Indian food items like samosas, jalebis, and laddoos are misleading and baseless. Dismissing these claims, the ministry stated that it has not issued any directive targeting specific Indian snacks or food vendors.
The clarification follows the release of a general advisory aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices, particularly in workplace environments. The advisory encourages the installation of informational boards in areas such as office lobbies, cafeterias, and meeting rooms to raise awareness about the health risks linked to excessive consumption of hidden fats and sugar. These include conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are on the rise across the country.
The advisory is not regulatory in nature and does not call for warning labels on any food products, whether traditional or otherwise. It also does not single out Indian street food or cultural food practices. Instead, the initiative is designed to serve as a gentle reminder to help individuals make more informed dietary choices.
Alongside raising awareness on food contents, the advisory suggests simple lifestyle modifications. These include encouraging healthier meals like fruits and vegetables, choosing low-fat options, and incorporating physical activity during the workday, such as using stairs or organising short breaks for movement.
The advisory is part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), a flagship initiative by the Health Ministry to combat the growing burden of lifestyle-related ailments.
Officials said the move aims to build a culture of wellness without disrupting traditional eating habits. The ministry reiterated that the focus is on education and awareness, not regulation or restriction of specific food items.
