More than symbolic, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Health Ministry directed government departments to display oil, sugar, and trans-fat levels in snacks like samosas, jalebis, laddoos.
• Campaign to begin at AIIMS Nagpur, later expanded to other cities.
• CBSE asked schools to set up ‘sugar boards’ to raise awareness among children.
• Obesity rates in India increased from 15% to 24% in men and 12% to 23% in women between 2005-06 and 2019-21 (NFHS data).
• Despite awareness drives, no front-of-pack (FoP) labelling norms have been enforced for packaged HFSS (high fat, sugar, salt) foods.
• The Supreme Court (July 2025) directed FSSAI to implement FoP labelling immediately.

Detailed Insights:

• Visual nudges, like those in tobacco warnings, can influence public behaviour, but they must be complemented by regulatory mechanisms.
• FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations (2020) remain incomplete—upper limits for sugar, salt, and fat have not yet been finalized.
• Countries implementing taxation on HFSS foods have seen reduction in consumption (global best practice).
• The National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017–22) mandated FoP labels and advertising controls, but execution remains weak.
• Studies by ICMR and others show warning labels are most effective in helping consumers identify and avoid unhealthy food.

Key Concepts Involved:

• HFSS Foods: Foods high in fat, sugar, and salt — linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Front-of-Pack (FoP) Labelling: Nutritional info displayed prominently on packaged food; helps consumers make informed dietary choices.
• Visual Behavioural Nudges: Psychological tools like images or labels intended to subconsciously influence consumer behaviour.