New Delhi, July 15 : The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday termed reports claiming it has directed vendors to put warning labels on food items such as samosas, jalebis and laddos as “misleading, incorrect, and baseless”.
It clarified that its advisory on health messaging about hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items is not a directive for vendors to put warning labels on their products, and underlined that it does not target India’s rich street food culture.
The general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and not specifically to any particular food product, the ministry said in a statement.
The advisory mentions other messages promoting healthy food such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat options and making suggestions for people to opt for physical activity, such as the use of stairs and short exercises.
The ministry had separately issued an advisory, which is an initiative towards making healthier choices at workplaces. It advises displaying boards in workplaces to raise awareness on the harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items.
These boards are meant to serve as daily reminders on fighting obesity, the burden of which is sharply rising in the country, the statement said. (PTI)
