In a first-of-its-kind move, the Health Ministry has directed institutions, including offices and hospitals, to install ‘oil and sugar’ boards. These posters will highlight the high-fat and high-sugar content in certain food items.
Samosas and jalebis may still tempt tastebuds at offices and other institutions (such as hospitals), but now they’ll be accompanied by a gentle nudge from the Health Ministry. In a move aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory promoting the display of informative boards across workplaces — ranging from lobbies and canteens to meeting rooms.
These boards are designed to raise awareness about the health risks of consuming hidden fats and excess sugar, serving as daily visual cues in the fight against the country’s growing obesity crisis.
The Health Ministry has clarified that there will be no warning labels on individual snack items like samosa and jalebi, but they have advised institutions to install oil and sugar boards highlighting the high-fat and high-sugar content in certain food items being sold at the venue.
These boards will highlight the high levels of oil, sugar, and trans fats in these foods-nutrients closely linked to lifestyle diseases.
STARTING IN NAGPUR WITH AIIMS AS MODEL SITE
The campaign is being rolled out first in Nagpur, where the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Nagpur) will serve as the pilot location for the initiative.
Cafeterias and public eating spaces on the campus will begin displaying bright, easy-to-read warning boards next to food counters.
WHY THIS MOVE?
India is facing a growing health crisis. With obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease on the rise, the government is turning its focus to what’s on the plate.
Frequent consumption of deep-fried and sugary snacks is a major contributor.
By 2050, an estimated 440 million Indians could be overweight or obese, a global analysis published in The Lancet journal has estimated.
WHAT WILL CHANGE?
At places like AIIMS Nagpur, visitors will now see:
- Warning posters beside popular food stalls
- Clear information about sugar, fat, and trans fat content
- Messages that outline long-term health risks from frequent consumption
These warnings are designed to be direct and impactful, much like the alerts on cigarette packaging.
NOT A BAN, JUST BETTER AWARENESS
The government has clarified that this is not a ban on traditional foods.
Samosas and jalebis will still be available, but consumers will be informed about what they’re eating.
The goal is to promote moderation, not restriction.
LOOKING AHEAD
The warning-label campaign is expected to expand to other cities and institutions in the coming months.
Authorities hope this will act as a wake-up call and push more people toward balanced diets.
Authorities are hoping that this step will encourage people to make more mindful food choices, starting with a simple glance at a cafeteria wall.
Article source: indiatoday.in
