Netizens had a field day dropping samosa memes and taking jabs at the health boards for insinuating jalebi. When labels no longer define us, food labels on our beloved snacks become a laugh riot on social media. Social media wrongly claims that the Ministry of Health has ordered street foods like wada pav, samosa, jalebis, laddoos, etc. to carry a cigarette-style warning label. But it was all a hoax, a gross misinterpretation.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with FSSAI and ICMR–NIN, asked public institutions, i.e., ministries, AIIMS, airports, and railway stations, to display Oil and Sugar Boards. The aim was simple: to address the rising cases and risk of lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
This step aligns with the Fit India Movement and educates people about the dangers of trans fats and sugars.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the advisory does not target any specific food or stigmatise street food in any way.
THE OIL AND SUGAR BOARD ADVISORY
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India, advised central institutions, workplaces, and government-run cafeterias (e.g., AIIMS Nagpur, CGHS facilities) to display oil and sugar boards that are posters to: Reveal the sugar and fat content of everyday foods Daily intake limits of sugar and fat Educating people to make healthier choices, Highlighting the dangers of sugar and trans fat. Motivating people to make healthier choices. Expert Speaks: Dr. Sunil Gupta, Senior Diabetologist, supports this initiative and says, “This is not about banning food … But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice.” Earlier this year, CBSE and ICSE school boards directed schools under their affiliation to put up sugar boards. Schools have rolled out posters and banners educating kids on the ill effects of sugar and fat, the sugar and fat content in snacks, and healthier swaps.
Schools have independently taken elaborate steps to protect their students. Tiffin box checks, a ban on unhealthy snacks in school canteens, and the distribution of candies and chocolates for birthdays are a few initiatives undertaken. Experts and school authorities have urged the government to ban foods with HFSS and other harmful products and involve parents to reinforce healthier choices amongst students.
This movement aims to prevent obesity, early insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders in children. Several doctors, experts, and nutritionists have praised this timely action. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, has called the move an excellent step for public awareness.
WHY NOW: LET STATISTICS SPEAK. 1 out of every 10 adults is diabetic in India, and 40% of adults are either overweight or obese.
An article published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians in India (JAPI) states that the number of cases of diabetes increased from 32 million in 2000 to 45 million in 2024. Currently, 101 million Indians are living with diabetes.
Globally, diabetes is the 10th leading cause of death and places an increased burden on cardiovascular health. This alarming rate of increase in diabetes spells a public health emergency at hand. As per NFHS‑5, 1 in every 4 Indians is obese.
The study also highlighted that families tend to be fat together. If one person in a family is overweight or obese, other family members are also likely to be overweight or obese. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), 24% of Indian women and 22.9% of Indian men are overweight or obese. As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), the percentage of overweight children under five increased to 3.4% from 2.1% in NFHS-4 (2015-16) at the all-India level.
Today, 12.5 million children in India are overweight or obese. With the rising epidemic of obesity and diabetes, the Oil and Sugar Board Advisory by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare seems like a necessity. Expert Speaks: Dr. Amar Amale, President of the Cardiologic Society (Nagpur), supports the initiative. “We have been saying for years that sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they are eating.”
TOBACCO: WHAT IT MEANS The metaphors, like sitting is the new smoking, and now, sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco, are gaining momentum. Why are these perpetuators of the lifestyle disease epidemic compared to tobacco and smoking? Ultra-processed foods UPFS, with the deadly salt, sugar, and fat combinations, mirror the ill effects of tobacco. Similar to tobacco, UPFS are addictive, triggering mood swings, cravings, and compulsive eating. Like any other addiction, UPFs don’t cause any immediate harm, but chronic use leads to long-term health risks like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. UPFs, or foods with sugar and trans fat, are not cigarettes, but the damage they cause is fatal. Comparing them to cigarettes or tobacco is an attempt to warn aggressively of their dangers.
SUGAR AND TRANS FAT: A DEADLY HEALTH RISK Today, ultra-processed foods, containing sugar and trans fats, have become widespread, leading to health risks, especially in children. Consumption of fast food and packaged foods has increased considerably in India. The fast food culture precipitated by global food chains and ease of access via Swiggy and Zomato adds to the problem. Statistics show that children aged 4–10 consume ≈13% of calories from sugar, and children aged 11–18 consume ≈15%, which is far above the 5% WHO guidelines. Sugar and sugar beverages raise blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular decline. Trans fat impairs insulin function and raises cholesterol levels, leading to stroke and heart attacks. An intake of 2% of calories from trans fats is associated with a roughly 25% higher risk of coronary heart disease. Other serious health effects of UPFs include infertility, hormonal imbalances, cognitive decline, behavioural changes, depression, Alzheimer’s, and cancers.
A meta-analysis (77 studies) states that consumption of any amount of sugary drinks, processed meats, or trans fats increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer. THE BOTTOM LINE India, today, is facing a dual epidemic of diabetes and obesity. The skyrocketing cases of childhood obesity are disconcerting. This public health emergency necessitates interventions and strategic actions to educate and raise awareness. Educating the masses will ensure people make informed choices for themselves and their families. An advisory like sugar and oil boards, and initiatives by schools and the government will serve as a nudge to adopt a healthy lifestyle and open our eyes to the imminent danger around us.