CONTEXT: India’s increasing rates of obesity and diabetes have sparked worries regarding the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on public health.
Major Highlights:
- According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 1 in 4 adults in India are either obese or diabetic, with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) playing a significant role in this health crisis.
- The 2025 Economic Survey proposes a ‘health tax’ on UPFs to address rising health concerns, while the Indian Prime Minister has emphasized the need to tackle obesity.
- Despite these efforts, weak and industry-friendly food regulations continue to undermine progress, allowing misleading advertisements and inadequate food labeling to persist.
Challenges in Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods
Ambiguous and Ineffective Legislation:
The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 lacks clear and comprehensive guidelines regarding the disclosure of nutritional information. Furthermore, the regulations by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) fail to provide a precise definition for High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods or ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The presence of multiple, uncoordinated laws leads to ineffective enforcement, complicating regulatory efforts.Industry Influence on Policy:
The FSSAI’s regulatory framework has been criticized for aligning more with the interests of large food corporations rather than prioritizing public health. Industry representatives dominate stakeholder meetings, limiting the role of scientific experts in policymaking. In 2022, the FSSAI introduced the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), based on Australia’s controversial ‘health star’ system, which allows unhealthy products to receive misleading star ratings. Additionally, the FSSAI ignored its own 2021 proposal for a ‘traffic light’ color-coded warning system, largely due to lobbying from the food industry.Delayed Implementation of Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPL):
Despite recommendations dating back to 2017, India still does not have mandatory warning labels on ultra-processed foods. For example, there is no requirement for food advertisements to disclose key nutritional information like sugar, salt, or fat content. Cola drinks and processed foods continue to target children and youth without any clear health warnings. Although the 2025 Economic Survey emphasizes the need for urgent reforms, there is no clear roadmap for their implementation.4. Global Best Practices Ignored:
Chile’s introduction of easily recognizable hexagonal “high in” warning labels led to a 24% reduction in ultra-processed food consumption. Most countries with effective FOPL systems use clear warning labels rather than confusing star ratings. However, India has yet to adopt similar practices, despite their success globally.5. Public Awareness Deficit:
There is a significant lack of mass campaigns to educate the public about the risks associated with ultra-processed foods. Children and youth remain particularly vulnerable to misleading advertisements, which continue to promote unhealthy food choices without adequate warnings.
Government Initiatives
National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017) for the Prevention and Control of Common Non-Communicable Diseases:
The plan proposed changes to the legislation surrounding junk food advertising, but the enforcement of these recommendations has been insufficient, limiting their effectiveness.Initiatives by FSSAI:
- The India@75 movement, launched by FSSAI, aimed to completely eradicate trans fats from the country by 2022, though the full impact is still being assessed.
- The Eat Right India campaign, also spearheaded by FSSAI, promotes public health and seeks to reform the national food system through three core principles: Eat Safe, Eat Healthy, and Eat Sustainable.
- In 2022, FSSAI introduced the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a star rating system that has received criticism for being overly favorable to industry interests, potentially misleading consumers.
- Mandatory fortification of salt (with iodine and iron), edible oils (with vitamins A and D), and wheat flour (with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12) has been implemented in line with FSSAI standards. The Food Fortification Resource Centre has also been created to support stakeholders in these initiatives.
Recommendations from the Economic Survey 2025:
- The introduction of a ‘health tax’ on ultra-processed foods to curb consumption.
- Implementation of stringent front-of-pack labeling, replacing the misleading star ratings system.
- Imposing restrictions on advertising HFSS foods targeted at children, to reduce the impact of such marketing on vulnerable groups.
Government Initiatives
National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017) for the Prevention and Control of Common Non-Communicable Diseases:
This plan proposed modifications to legislation governing junk food advertising. However, inadequate enforcement has hindered the effectiveness of these proposals.Initiatives by FSSAI:
- The India@75 initiative, launched by FSSAI, aimed to eliminate trans fats from the nation by 2022, although the overall impact is still being assessed.
- The Eat Right India campaign, also led by FSSAI, focuses on improving public health and transforming the national food system, built on three core principles: Eat Safe, Eat Healthy, and Eat Sustainable.
- In 2022, FSSAI introduced the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a star rating system that has faced criticism for being overly favorable to industry interests, potentially misleading consumers.
- Mandatory fortification of salt (with iodine and iron), edible oils (with vitamins A and D), and wheat flour (with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12) has been implemented in line with FSSAI standards. Additionally, the Food Fortification Resource Centre has been created to assist stakeholders in these efforts.
Recommendations from the Economic Survey 2025:
- Introduction of a ‘health tax’ on ultra-processed foods to reduce consumption.
- Implementation of rigorous front-of-pack labeling, replacing the misleading star ratings system.
- Imposition of restrictions on advertising HFSS foods targeted at children, to mitigate the harmful impact of such marketing on vulnerable populations.