‘No palm oil' labels marketing gimmick: IFBA
IFBA
), which counts McDonald's, Wingreens and Ferrero as members, has flagged 'no palm oil' labels in packaged foods as 'misleading
marketing
gimmicks', amid increasing number of
brands
using the tag claiming to be a differentiator.
'Labels like 'palm oil free' overshadow credible dietary guidance and have become a marketing tool. Food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence,' IFBA said, Tuesday. The organisation further 'cautioned consumers against taking
health advice
from influencers who amplify half-truths without nutritional expertise.'
Dozens of biscuits, snacks and bakery products on retail shelves as well as selling direct-to-consumer have been promoting 'no palm oil' on their labels. Some of these are higher priced than packs of similar quantities.
The note by IFBA further said palm oil 'continues to be misunderstood due to selective branding tactics that exploit health-related fears', adding that it remains a widely-used affordable and accessible
edible oil
.
'In today's digital era, food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence. With India consuming 26 million tonnes of edible oil annually, including 9 million tonnes of palm oil, this trend has fuelled misconceptions,' IFBA added in the note, stating that palm oil 'has a well-rounded fatty acid profile with zero trans fats.'
Shilpa Agrawal, director, scientific and regulatory affairs, IFBA, said: 'The Dietary Guidelines for Indians – 2024 of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition clearly acknowledge the role of tocotrienols in palm oil in lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health. It recommends a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, for a balanced fatty acid profile. This is science, not speculation.'
Contrary to popular belief, countries worldwide are now promoting
sustainable palm oil
production, with the Government of India taking several steps to enhance domestic edible oil output, including the launch of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation, IFBA said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
25 minutes ago
- Mint
India has seen an explosion of fertility startups. Next up: deal spree
Bengaluru/Mumbai: India's growing incomes and falling fertility rate have birthed a new breed of startups looking to fill gaps and provide convenience in assisted reproduction services, drawing interest from investors and large healthcare chains. Upstarts such as Luma Fertility and Arva Health offer services ranging from at-home hormone monitoring and assessment to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) at their centres, while Initomakes portable fertility tracking least 37 fertility ventures were founded between 2021 and 2025 in India, raising $86.4 million combined in equity investments, according to Tracxn data. 'What is interesting is that these startups are highly focused on offering services such as fertility testing and egg freezing, apart from conventional fertility offerings…," said Shobhit Agarwal, chief executive officer at Nova IVF Fertility. 'They are well exposed to European markets, understand the changing landscape of the fertility market in India and are helping to bring new allied services to India and create these markets in larger cities." IVF and other fertility solutions have been available in India for decades. Yet demand has grown in recent years as more women decide to have children later and infertility increases. Rising incomes mean a higher number of Indians can access treatment. EY estimates the nation's IVF market to rise from $793 million in 2020 to $1.45 billion by 2027, expanding 15-20% annually. Mumbai-based Luma offers embryo grading, advanced egg quality assessment, egg freezing, IVF, male and female fertility testing and care and a smartphone application to track hormones and record symptoms. Arva provides everything from hormone testing and fertility consultation to IVF and IUI (intra-uterine insemination). Inito sells at-home single-use kits for monitoring hormone levels during fertility cycles–crucial information for couples struggling to conceive. 'Their (new startups') presence has helped expand awareness and convenience, especially for individuals taking early steps toward understanding their reproductive health," said Kshitiz Murdia, chief executive officer and whole-time director of Indira IVF, the country's largest infertility treatment chain. Private investors are taking notice. Last week, Luma, which recently opened a fertility clinic in Mumbai, announced its $4 million fundraise from Peak XV's Surge, Metropolis Healthcare's promoter Ameera Shah and Vijay Taparia of B2V Ventures. In May, Bengaluru-based Arva secured $1 million in pre-seed funding led by early-stage investment firm All In Capital. Expansion plans Inito plans to enter 20 countries, including Australia and Canada, by next year, founder and chief executive officer Aayush Rai told Mint. 'We're a deeptech company, and the idea is to build a global company. The consumption patterns are different in India and outside, with Western countries more open to adopting newer technologies." Inito lastraised $6 million in Series A funding led by Fireside Ventures in November 2023. Luma Fertility, which recently established its first clinic in Mumbai's Bandra area, is looking to launch two more centres in the financial capital, followed by expansion into Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Gurugram. 'While a majority of it will be organic expansion, we are open to acquisitions to widen the scope of fertility services like in vitro-fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing,"said Neha Motwani, founder of Luma. There are other startups proving support services . BabyReady provides teleconsultation and financial services for couples seeking fertility treatments and Elawoman offers counselling and access to fertility clinics. India IVF, a chain of tech-enabled fertility care centres across India, received pre-Series A funding last year. Veera Health provides treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, which is known to cause infertility–the venture is backed by Y Combinator and Peak XV's Surge. "My sense is that less than a third of the market is truly organized, chained and branded. The remaining is mostly single-doctor or single-clinic practices," saidArjun Anand, managing director and head of Asia at global investment company Verlinvest. 'Startups that bring a positive differentiation to existing services of IVF & IUI will have an edge." Acquisition targets Verlinvest acquired a controlling stake in AP/Telangana-focused Ferty9 Fertility Centre in 2023. Large chains, too, are watching these startups as potential acquisition targets. Startups play a crucial role in bringing about innovative services that large players cannot possibly introduce at scale, making consolidation a favourable outcome. '...we are not only seeing much intense competition from large chains, but also seeing many new startups in this space," said Agarwal of Nova IVF, which was acquired by Asia Healthcare Holdings in 2019. The chain has 100 centres across the country, with over half of those in tier 2 and 3 cities, including Bareilly, Guwahati, and Vellore. Nova IVF is assessing acquisition opportunities in markets with low presence, said Agarwal. Last month, Economic Times reported, citing unnamed people, that US-based IVI RMA Global is set to acquire ART Fertility Clinics for $400-450 million. Indira IVF inked deals with Gujarat-based Banker Healthcare and Puducherry's Creation Science IVF in June as well. Birla Fertility & IVF acquired BabyScience IVF Clinics to expand its presence in southern and western India last year. Funding in the segment will continue to be driven by private equity investments, according to Verlinvest's Anand. 'Private equity brings scale, while venture capital fosters innovation. IVF is more suited to a private equity play as it's a centre-by-centre model and will take a linear curve to scale." Looking ahead On their part, the startups also continue to evolve to stay relevant. Luma Fertility is offering a more open and detailed analysis of diagnostic reports to its patients, besides investing in establishing a dedicated care team to guide them along the journey. 'For instance, our analysis of an AMH report states X-axis age, Y-axis AMH, where you are compared to the India average, and what this means for you, and what is your predictive decline," said CEO Motwani. 'The first place where the system is broken is how fertility assessment and testing are done. It needs to be more accessible, open, and with less judgment." Inito intends to be a pure-play product company, according to founder Rai. 'There is definite value in building hardware because at-home testing is largely under-penetrated. This segment can grow significantly, potentially outperforming top players in the product side." The startup also plans to foray into men's fertility with specialized products, which Rai termed an underrated topic. Nova IVF's Agarwal sees more opportunities including AI-driven embryo evaluation, genetic testing, newer therapies such as ovarian rejuvenation. "Any addition like a digital-first approach, more efficient tracking capabilities, and new technology will be valuable," saidVerlinvest's Anand. 'Better customer experience, the ability to cater to a premium audience, or a concierge service will help set a startup apart from traditional players." According to Bhanu Prakash Kalmath S J, partner and healthcare industry leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, 'what also matters is how you bring credibility through a better brand". This is what works for larger chains, which offer consistency and uniform services across centres, and that could work for new players as well, he said. Luma and Inito plan to carefully invest in expansion to maintain differentiation and sustainable economics. But Kalmath S.J. suggested that investing in technology to ensure compliance with regulations and complete data confidentiality is paramount too. More so, when big fertility treatment chains also look to protect their turf and stay ahead of the curve. As Sriram Iyer, CEO of Apollo Health and Lifestyle, which runs Apollo Fertility, explained: 'To stay competitive, investment in technology, prioritizing ethical practices, and addressing accessibility challenges are utmost."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Chandigarh pilgrim dies on 5,200m-high Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra
Kullu: A 33-year-old Chandigarh resident died due to high altitude sickness on the Shrikhand Mahadev pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district. His family alleged porters extorted Rs 40,000 from them and delayed carrying him to a lower altitude until they were paid. The administration Thursday began a probe and promised action if the allegation was proven. Among the most challenging pilgrimages, Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is conducted during Shravan (monsoon). Thousands of pilgrims climb to the 5,200-metre mountaintop to pay obeisance to a 75-feet-tall rock that devotees believe to be a natural Shiva lingam. Many pilgrims have died on the trek, which is around 32km one way and can take up to a week to complete. Abhay had gone on the pilgrimage with his cousin Vishal. After darshan on July 12, they were on the way down when Abhay's health started deteriorating. He was taken to a doctor at Parvatibagh camp (the highest), who advised Abhay be immediately taken to a lower altitude. SDRF personnel helped Abhay reach Bhimdwar, where a doctor administered oxygen and referred him to the govt hospital in Nirmand. On the way, Abhay's condition worsened but the two porters arranged by the administration allegedly refused to carry him. "They demanded Rs 60,000. I agreed to pay Rs 40,000. My phone was low on battery and there was no signal either, yet I managed to pay them Rs 40,000 through UPI," said Vishal. "But until I could pay them, the porters did not take Abhay down. They snatched our phones and bags and threatened we would not be able to go anywhere until we paid. Then, they took five hours to cover the short distance from Singhgad to Jaon (base of trek at 1,950m). There was no one to help us, no police, no SDRF," he added. "When we finally reached Jaon village and I put Abhay in the back of my car, he died." Vishal's brother Vinay, who reached Nirmand (23km from Jaon) Wednesday evening, said the Kullu administration must also take responsibility. Nirmand SDM Manmohan Singh said an inquiry was initiated. "Porters are deployed through a contractor hired by the administration. Action will be taken against the porters if the allegations are found to be true. I have also moved a complaint from the relatives of the deceased to Nirmand police for action." Abhay's postmortem was conducted Thursday. Local SHO Gopal Singh said no case had been registered yet. Pilgrims need to submit a medical certificate at the time of registration but the trek itself is demanding. In 2023, the yatra was called off after six pilgrims died over a month, and in 2018, three devotees died on the trek due to lack of oxygen. This year, the 14-day pilgrimage is being held from July 10 to July 23 and, until last week, more than 5,000 people had registered online. MSID:: 122635738 413 |
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Three weeks on, Kidwai's sole MRI machine still not working
Bengaluru: Every morning for the past three weeks, cancer patients — many in wheelchairs — arrive at the MRI room at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, only to see the same sign taped to the door: MRI Machine Not Working. At Karnataka's largest govt-run cancer hospital, at least 185 patients have been on the waiting list since the hospital's sole MRI and mammography machine broke down in late June. For cancer patients, an MRI scan is not optional — it is critical for diagnosis, follow-ups and monitoring disease progression. At the reception, patients are asked to leave their phone numbers. They are told they will be called once the machine is fixed. But so far, no timeline has been given. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru KC Devraj, a brain tumour survivor from Ramanagara, is number 184 on the waiting list. He travelled to Kidwai for a follow-up MRI but had to return without a scan. " by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo We started at 6am today [Thursday]. My wife took the day off work. It takes the whole day for us to come and go. And now they say the machine isn't working. Where will the poor go if govt hospitals fail like this?" Devraj said. For him, getting the scan done at a private hospital is unaffordable. "A scan at a private hospital will cost me at least Rs 7,000. I can't afford it." At Kidwai, below poverty line (BPL) patients and those with govt health cards or insurance get scanning done for free. For others, a brain scan costs Rs 3,000, still less than half the rate at private hospitals. Scans for other parts of the body follow a similar rate difference. Devraj doubts whether the hospital will actually call him back. "We'll probably have to return multiple times just to check the status. It's a burden we can't afford." Kidwai relies on a single MRI machine, normally catering to 20-25 patients daily. Its staff admit this is no longer sustainable. "The machine is almost 11-12 years old. A crucial part is damaged and needs replacement, but the specific part isn't available in India. It's being sourced from abroad," a radiologist said. Another staff member confirmed the issue has been reported to higher authorities and an inspection is underway. The hospital is also facing questions about administrative issues. Naveen Bhat Y, who serves as both the hospital administrator and CEO of zilla panchayat, Chikkaballapur, is rarely seen at Kidwai. "We usually have to go all the way to Chikkaballapur just to get his signature on documents," a hospital staffer told TOI. Kidwai director Dr Naveen T did not respond to calls and messages. However, hospital officials said Thursday that an MoU was signed with Nimhans and Sanjay Gandhi Trauma Centre to offer MRI scans for Kidwai patients. But this arrangement has not been clearly communicated at the reception, leaving most patients unaware.
