Union Health Ministry urges workplaces to display oil and sugar boards to encourage healthy eating

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a clarification in response to certain media reports falsely claiming that it has directed the use of “Warning Labels” on traditional Indian food items such as samosas, jalebis, and laddoos. The Ministry categorically stated that these reports are misleading, incorrect, and baseless. No directive has been issued mandating warning labels on food products sold by vendors, nor does the advisory target any specific Indian snack or street food item.

The advisory referred to in the reports is a general awareness initiative aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits in workplaces. As part of this effort, the Ministry has encouraged the display of informative boards in office spaces such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, and meeting rooms. These boards are intended to serve as daily reminders about the health risks associated with the excessive consumption of hidden fats and added sugars, which contribute significantly to the rising burden of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases in the country.

Importantly, the advisory is not prescriptive in nature. It does not direct the labeling of specific foods or restrict the consumption of any particular items. Instead, it is a behavioural nudge designed to help individuals make more informed choices. In addition to highlighting concerns around fats and sugars, the advisory also promotes the consumption of healthy food options such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meals. It further encourages physical activity through workplace-friendly suggestions like using stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and providing walking routes.

This initiative falls under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to addressing the growing incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle disorders in India. The Ministry urges all stakeholders to avoid spreading misinformation and to support this initiative aimed at building a healthier and more health-aware society.