No Warning Labels on Samosa, Jalebi: Health Ministry Clarifies Media Reports
Health Ministry denies claims of directives on labelling Indian snacks; says advisory only promotes healthier choices at workplaces
The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday refuted media reports claiming it had directed the issuance of warning labels on traditional Indian snacks like samosa, jalebi, and laddoo. Terming such reports as "misleading, incorrect and baseless," the ministry clarified that no such order has been issued targeting Indian street food vendors or specific products.
According to an official statement, the ministry had only released a general advisory aimed at encouraging healthier food choices in workplaces. As part of the initiative under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), the advisory recommends the display of informative boards in office areas like canteens, lobbies, and meeting rooms. These boards are intended to raise awareness on hidden fats, excess sugar, and their contribution to rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.
“The advisory is a behavioural nudge, not a regulation or directive,” the ministry said. “It promotes consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and encourages simple lifestyle changes such as using stairs or taking short exercise breaks.”
The Health Ministry emphasised that the initiative does not mandate warning labels on any food item sold by vendors, nor does it single out Indian snacks or undermine India’s diverse street food culture.
The clarification comes amid concerns over the growing burden of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the country, which are linked to high intake of oil and sugar in everyday diets.