New Delhi: The Central government refuted recent media reports suggesting that the Ministry of health and Family Welfare issued health warnings specifically against Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis, and laddoos. Terming the reports as “fake” and “misleading,” the government clarified the advisory in question is general in nature and not directed at any particular food items.

In a post on X, the PIB Fact Check stated, “The advisory of the Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks.” It further clarified the advisory aims to raise awareness about the risks of excessive consumption of hidden fats and sugars in all foods, not just traditional Indian items.

“The advisory encourages healthier choices at workplaces and aims to reduce the intake of excess oil and sugar, contributing to overall healthy eating and living,” the post added. It emphasised India’s rich street food culture was not being targeted.

Earlier reports had claimed the Union Health Ministry urged all ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies to display warning signs against Indian snacks such as samosas, vada pav, kachori, and jalebi. However, the Ministry dismissed these reports as “misleading, incorrect, and baseless.”

Reacting to the misinformation, MP Milind Deora wrote on X that the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee is currently reviewing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) approach to addressing the growing obesity crisis in the country. “We have unanimously advocated for uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so that Indian food isn’t unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked,” he said.

The Health Ministry clarified its advisory is part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The initiative encourages the display of educational boards in lobbies, canteens, meeting rooms, and other workplace areas to promote awareness about the health risks of excessive fat and sugar consumption.

“These boards are intended to serve as daily reminders about combating obesity, which is on the rise in the country,” the Ministry said, adding that unhealthy diets are key contributors to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle diseases.

The advisory also promotes positive health habits such as increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods, as well as encouraging physical activity through measures like using stairs, organising short exercise breaks, and creating walking-friendly environments. (With agency inputs)