In a sweeping move to combat rising obesity and lifestyle diseases, the Union Health Ministry has directed all central ministries and departments to display sugar and oil content in commonly consumed snacks like samosa, kachori, pizza, burger, French fries, gulab jamun, and soft drinks at workplace cafeterias and public spaces.
The advisory urges installation of “Oil and Sugar Boards” that visually highlight the high fat and sugar content in these popular items as part of a broader effort to promote healthy lifestyles. The boards are intended to act as nudges in schools, offices, and government buildings.
The ministry also called for the inclusion of health-related messages on all official stationery — such as letterheads, folders, and notepads — to reinforce the message of daily awareness against obesity.
The move comes amid alarming statistics. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), over 20% of urban adults in India are overweight or obese. A Lancet study predicts that the number of obese and overweight adults in India may surge from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050, making it the second-highest globally.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, in a letter dated June 21, referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for healthier living during the 38th National Games in Dehradun earlier this year. Modi had invoked the Fit India campaign and urged citizens to cut oil consumption by 10%.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, who heads the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, has also backed the initiative, stressing that global fast food like pizzas and doughnuts should be regulated just like local street food such as samosas and jalebis.
Srivastava highlighted that excessive sugar and oil intake significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. She urged ministries to lead by example, promoting low-fat and fruit-rich diets in offices, encouraging physical activity, and providing healthier food options.
The circular also included prototype boards that departments can adapt as per requirement, aiming to convert the PM’s Swastha Bharat vision into a mass movement starting with government offices.
