
India rolls out health warnings for popular Indian street foods like samosas and jalebis
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has identified 14 snack items, including popular Indian street snacks like samosas, pakodas (fritters), vada pav (a spiced potato patty sandwiched in a bread roll), and some varieties of biscuits, which will be accompanied by clear cautionary notices in cafeterias and public venues, according to a Times of India report.
While some media reports stated that the food items itself would carry warning labels, the Union health ministry clarified in a statement that their advisory focused on 'display of boards' and was aimed as a 'behavioural nudge to make people aware about hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products and not specifically to any particular food product'.
The initiative, which has already begun rolling out in cafeterias of state-run facilities like AIIMS Nagpur, comes amid growing concern over India's escalating lifestyle disease burden.
Health experts, the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition have reportedly backed the initiative, stating that it supports a larger effort to combat India's growing epidemic of non‑communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
'It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings. Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating,' cardiologist Dr Amar Amale, head of the Nagpur chapter of the Cardiological Society of India, told the Times of India.
Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology at Zandra Healthcare, told IndiaTimes: 'These high-calorie snacks contribute to obesity, which is a gateway to numerous chronic conditions '. He added that they also lead to excessive calorie intake with minimal nutritional value, as well as worsen digestive problems, raise the risk of fatty liver and insulin resistance, and contribute to cognitive decline, mood disorders, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and an overall weakened immune system.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 77 million Indians live with type 2 diabetes, or roughly 9 per cent of adults, with diabetes-related complications accounting for nearly 2 per cent of all deaths annually.
A Chennai-based study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals consuming high levels of refined grains, like those used in samosas and jalebis, were nearly eight times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which includes risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity.
At the same time, the World Health Organization has flagged trans fats, a common component of Indian street foods, as responsible for over 77,000 cardiovascular deaths each year in India.
However, the move has met with significant criticism from nutritionists who have argued that this campaign unfairly targets traditional Indian foods. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who has long championed indigenous food instead of Western alternatives, posted a message on her social media questioning why processed snacks continue to be eaten without warning.
'Tobacco is an independent risk factor. It harms irrespective of environment and lifestyle. There is ample proof of that. Samosa and jalebi ne aap ka kya bigada hai? ( What have samosas and jalebis done to deserve this?) If we are serious about health warnings – colas, chips, cookies etc. must get them first. Regulate and tax big food,' she wrote.
'Ultra-processed food products are the real problem. And there is ample proof of that, too,' Diwekar added in her caption.
Milind Deora, MP, in a post on social media platform X noted that the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee is currently reviewing food regulator FSSAI's plans to tackle India's growing obesity crisis.
'We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked'.
Former parliamentarian Milind Deora also criticised the government's focus in a post on X, formerly Twitter, urging a level playing field so that 'Indian food isn't unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked'.
Reactions from Indians have been mixed; while some see the warnings as overdue, others have questioned whether the signs will truly change eating habits or serve to stigmatise comfort foods.
'Let's also have them on packaged foods, processed foods, pizzas, burgers, cold storage meats, chips, soft drinks, etc?' wrote writer Kiran Manral.
'You don't eat jalebis and samosas for health. You indulge for delight unlike alcohol or cigarettes or pan masala. While former are indulgences (not necessarily healthy), they don't fit into the same category as products that require health warnings,' wrote a person on X.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Pharmacist issues vaccine warning to Brits heading on holiday this year
Tourists heading abroad this summer have been urged to consider what vaccinations are recommended for their destination. Holidaymakers jetting off to tropical climates could be exposed to diseases their immune systems aren't used to. Though there aren't mandatory vaccines for some countries, Brits are advised to check any requirements before travelling. Boots pharmacist Claire Nevinson explained the urgency of travellers protecting their health when going abroad. 'It's important to take steps to protect our health when we travel abroad so we can focus on enjoying our holiday,' she said. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended depending on where you are travelling, the activities you will be doing, and your age and general health.' The healthcare company revealed the most common diseases customers were seeking advice on included Japanese encephalitis, rabies and hepatitis A. More than a third of travellers are planning to jet off to long-haul locations this year, according to Boots, including with Thailand, India and China. Claire added: 'If you're travelling abroad this summer, you may be exposed to diseases we don't usually have in the UK. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended for your trip as a measure to help prevent you picking these illnesses up. 'The childhood vaccination programme in the UK provides protection from several diseases, but it may also be necessary to consider boosters or other vaccinations if you're planning to visit certain parts of the world.' The pharmacist advised that holidaymakers should consider taking medications with them on their travels too. Claire recommended several items including antihistamines and pain relief, regardless of the destination. 'Whether you're jetting off or keeping it local this summer, it's always wise to pack a few healthcare products depending on the destination you're travelling to,' she said. 'A small first aid kit may be a good start. You could consider including pain relief medicine, antihistamine medicine to help relieve symptoms of hayfever and other allergies, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and of course broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30. 'It's also important to make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines that you take. 'Additionally, I'd always check whether you might need medication to help prevent malaria. 'It is important that antimalarials are started before you travel to a place where you might be at risk.'


Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Ashes drinking video leak caused Graham Thorpe to 'spiral into depression'
A former England cricketer took his own life after losing his job as a batting coach, his widow said. Graham Thorpe 'spiralled into depression' and had tried to take his own life in 2022 before he was hit by a train and killed at a railway station in Surrey last August. Graham, 55, had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2018, but his widow Amanda told the inquest into his death that her husband had 'found lockdown and Covid very difficult, very stressful'. In 2022, a leaked video of Tasmanian police breaking up a drinking session between England and Australian cricket players was 'blown out of all proportion' and the fallout left Graham 'distraught'. Amanda said it was a 'horrible' time, and the later termination of his employment with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was a 'real shock to Graham' and the 'start of the decline of his mental health'. In a statement, Graham's father Geoff said the video incident had 'caused catastrophic damage to him' and 'ultimately he lost his job', then quickly 'spiralled into depression'. Graham tried to take his own life in 2022, which left him with a brain injury. He was in intensive care and spent time in a private hospital after being discharged. After Christmas of 2023, Amanda said Graham was 'in a terrible way', and his last contact with those responsible for his psychiatric care was in June 2024. In his statement read by the coroner, Geoff added: 'You felt those who were responsible for Graham's safety and care could've done more to intervene.' Professor Nick Pierce, the ECB's chief medical officer, said Graham's private health insurance cover was extended for three months after his dismissal. When ECB was told he had tried to take his own life, he said that 'at no point during Graham's time at ECB had there been any concern regarding a risk of self harm or intent to end life'. More Trending The ECB's healthcare board also agreed to help cover the cost of Graham's hospital treatment. Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles. During a distinguished international career, he struck 16 Test hundreds for England, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats. The inquest continues. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Ben Stokes is the leading man as classic England v India Test series produces compelling drama MORE: Back Rory McIlroy to make the most of second chance to win The Open at Royal Portrush MORE: Ben Stokes singles out England 'warrior' after stunning victory over India


Reuters
2 days ago
- Reuters
India's Dr Reddy's plans to launch generic obesity drugs in 87 countries next year, CEO says
HYDERABAD July 23 (Reuters) - Dr Reddy's Laboratories ( opens new tab plans to launch a cheaper copycat version of Novo Nordisk's ( opens new tab blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in 87 countries next year, the Indian drugmaker's CEO, Erez Israeli, said on Wednesday. Drugmakers are racing to get a share of the global obesity drug market, expected to generate around $150 billion in sales by the early 2030s, after Denmark-based Novo and its U.S. rival Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab saw extraordinary demand for their medicines. Dr Reddy's initially plans to launch the generic version of semaglutide - the active ingredient of Novo's Wegovy and diabetes medicine Ozempic - in Canada, India, Brazil, Turkey and other emerging markets, subject to patent expiry, Israeli said. "U.S. and Europe will open later... (and) all the other Western markets will be open between 2029 to 2033," Israeli said a press conference to discuss the company's earnings. He expects the generic drug to generate 'hundreds of millions of dollars' in sales for the company. Semaglutide's patent is expected to expire in several countries next year, including in India in March. Novo Nordisk had sued Dr Reddy's in May alleging patent infringement of semaglutide, according to documents seen by Reuters. Dr Reddy's has filed relevant regulatory applications in all the countries it is planning to launch the generic version in, Israeli said. Other Indian drugmakers, including Cipla ( opens new tab, Lupin ( opens new tab, Biocon ( opens new tab, Sun Pharma ( opens new tab, also plan to launch these generic weight-loss drugs after Novo's and Lilly's success. Novo launched Wegovy in India last month, following Lilly's Mounjaro launch for weight-loss and diabetes management. The drugs belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists that help control blood sugar and slow digestion, making people feel fuller for longer. Dr Reddy's also aims to launch 26 GLP-1 drugs within the next decade, Israeli said.