India’s Ministry of Health is taking a proactive approach to raise awareness about hidden fats and sugars in common foods by directing central institutions to display ‘oil and sugar boards’. This initiative aims to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the rising issues of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Recently, street snacks in India have come under scrutiny due to their high fat and sugar content, prompting the installation of warning boards at central government institutions. While there were misleading reports linking sugar and trans fats to tobacco, the government clarified its advisory as a general awareness initiative rather than specific warnings on Indian snacks. The initiative, rolled out by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, underscores the importance of informed dietary choices to tackle the growing health concerns. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar also shared insights on the real problem lying in ultra-processed foods. The move aims to nudge people towards healthier food habits through visual cues in various settings. Overall, the central message is to educate the public on healthy eating habits and hidden ingredients in everyday foods.
