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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What 1 Gulab Jamun is hiding could change the way India eats
A crispy samosa. A fizzy drink. A chocolate pastry after lunch. These may seem like harmless to consume, even occasionally. But what if these items come tagged with hidden risks, risks that could quietly damage health, day by day? The Indian government has launched a bold step inspired by the Prime Minister's 'Fit India' mission, which is to introduce Sugar and Oil Boards across public spaces. These visual tools aren't just posters, they're messengers, bringing attention to the sugars and fats that sneak into daily meals. With rising obesity, heart disease, and diabetes numbers, it's time to stop and look. What seems like comfort food may actually be fueling a national health crisis. The reality behind the posters: What sugar and oil boards actually say The new Sugar and Oil Boards don't rely on generic warnings. They lay out specific, relatable, and shocking facts. For example, that soft drink on the desk? It might carry 7 to 8 teaspoons of sugar. The innocent-looking banana chips could be swimming in oil. These boards recommend: Fat intake: 27–30 grams/day Sugar intake: Not more than 25g/day for adults, 20g/day for children These are not just random numbers, they're based on scientific findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) . Why these boards matter more than we think There's a quiet war being fought against lifestyle diseases. Obesity, once dismissed as a personal issue, now has national consequences. According to The Lancet , India could see 44.9 crore obese or overweight people by 2050. These aren't just numbers. They translate into: Spiking diabetes cases Heart conditions at younger ages Early onset of hypertension Reduced productivity Rising healthcare costs The new boards, therefore, serve a powerful purpose: they act as behavioural nudges, guiding food choices without bans or enforcement. Just like anti-smoking labels changed public perception, these boards may redefine food culture. The sugar trap: More than just a sweet tooth Sweet isn't always harmless. Excessive sugar has been linked with: Type 2 diabetes Fatty liver disease Increased belly fat Mood fluctuations Even cognitive decline But here's the catch: most of the sugar consumed is hidden. It's in ketchup, fruit juices, breakfast cereals, and so-called healthy granola bars. By displaying sugar content in everyday foods, these boards peel off the marketing layer and reveal the bitter truth beneath the sweet. The oil overload From street-side pakoras to fancy burgers, oil makes food taste good, but in excess, it weighs down health. The danger isn't just in how much is added, but what kind is used. Hydrogenated oils and trans fats are commonly found in: Bakery items Fried snacks Instant foods They contribute to: Artery clogging High cholesterol Weight gain Chronic fatigue Dr Sunil Gupta told TOI, 'Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco.' The comparison may sound dramatic, but the consequences aren't. Small moves with big impact Some ministries have already adopted the message. Healthy replacements like: Sattu drinks Millet snacks Green tea Coconut water are replacing sugary teas and fried bites in canteens.
Economic Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Your samosa, jalebi now under govt scanner: New health warning boards to reveal what's inside
Synopsis The health ministry is initiating an awareness campaign by installing "oil and sugar boards" in central institutions like AIIMS Nagpur, highlighting the hidden fat and sugar content in common Indian snacks. This move, akin to tobacco warnings, aims to combat India's growing obesity crisis and promote healthier eating habits. Agencies Samosa, jalebi join cigarettes on health alert list: Govt orders 'oil & sugar' boards The jalebi may soon be served with a side of guilt, and your evening samosa might be accompanied by a health warning. The health ministry has directed all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install 'oil and sugar boards' — posters that highlight the hidden fat and sugar content in commonly consumed Indian to a report by The Times of India, this initiative marks the beginning of a broader awareness campaign, likened to tobacco warnings on cigarette packets. The aim is to gradually position junk food risks in public consciousness in a similar boards are set to be displayed in cafeterias and public areas, especially in government institutions, serving as quiet yet firm nudges about the health risks in everyday items like samosas, jalebis, laddoos, pakoras, and vada at AIIMS Nagpur have confirmed receipt of the directive and say implementation is underway.'This is the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings,' said Dr Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, in a quote to ToI. 'Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating.' As per ToI, an internal note from the government has linked the move to India's growing obesity crisis. Projections suggest that by 2050, over 44.9 crore Indians could be overweight or obese , the second-highest in the world after the US. Currently, one in five urban adults is overweight, and rising childhood obesity due to poor diet and low physical activity has added to the concern. 'This is not about banning food,' senior diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta told ToI. 'But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds.'Doctors and public health experts see this as part of a larger fight against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension — many of which are diet-related. The initiative also ties into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Fit India' campaign and his push for a 10% reduction in national oil Nagpur and other cities, the changes will be visible soon. Rather than imposing bans, the government is opting for bold, visual cues. Near every snack counter, a colourful reminder will quietly say it all: 'Eat wisely. Your future self will thank you.'
Mint
14-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Samosas, Jalebis to carry cigarette‑style health warnings: Govt to flags hidden fat and sugar
Your favourite Indian snacks like Samosas and jalebis will soon come with a cigarette-style warning. According to a Times of India report, the Union Health Ministry has ordered all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install 'oil and sugar boards'. These boards are vivid posters that will show how much hidden fat and sugar lurk in everyday snacks, aiming to treat junk food like tobacco. The TOI report said that the board will act as a quiet but pointed reminder to citizens of the sugar and oil content in snacks considered cultural staples. These boards are being made mandatory in all government institutions, especially in the cafeterias and public areas. Confirming the directive, AIIMS Nagpur officials said, "It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings." Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, told TOI that sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. 'People deserve to know what they're eating.' Yes, until it is steamed, sugar-free and fat-free, it is under the scanner. Laddoo, vada pav, pakora, samosa, jalebi, and every fried and sweet snack staple to Indian culture are all under scrutiny. The internal note by the health ministry is an attempt to highlight the country's growing obesity crisis. Today, more than 44.9 crore Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050, placing the country second only to the US. One in five Indian urban adults is overweight already. The rise in childhood obesity, driven by poor diet and low activity, deepens the concern. Senior diabetologist Sunil Gupta told TOI that this new directive is not about banning food, but making people more aware of what they are consuming. 'But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds,' he said. Doctors and health experts view this as part of the wider fight against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension—all of which are closely tied to dietary habits.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Your samosa, jalebi now under govt scanner: New health warning boards to reveal what's inside
The jalebi may soon be served with a side of guilt, and your evening samosa might be accompanied by a health warning. The health ministry has directed all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur , to install 'oil and sugar boards' — posters that highlight the hidden fat and sugar content in commonly consumed Indian snacks. According to a report by The Times of India, this initiative marks the beginning of a broader awareness campaign, likened to tobacco warnings on cigarette packets. The aim is to gradually position junk food risks in public consciousness in a similar way. These boards are set to be displayed in cafeterias and public areas, especially in government institutions, serving as quiet yet firm nudges about the health risks in everyday items like samosas, jalebis, laddoos, pakoras, and vada pav. Officials at AIIMS Nagpur have confirmed receipt of the directive and say implementation is underway. 'This is the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings,' said Dr Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, in a quote to ToI. 'Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating.' Live Events As per ToI, an internal note from the government has linked the move to India's growing obesity crisis. Projections suggest that by 2050, over 44.9 crore Indians could be overweight or obese , the second-highest in the world after the US. Currently, one in five urban adults is overweight, and rising childhood obesity due to poor diet and low physical activity has added to the concern. 'This is not about banning food,' senior diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta told ToI. 'But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds.' Doctors and public health experts see this as part of a larger fight against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension — many of which are diet-related. The initiative also ties into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Fit India' campaign and his push for a 10% reduction in national oil consumption. In Nagpur and other cities, the changes will be visible soon. Rather than imposing bans, the government is opting for bold, visual cues. Near every snack counter, a colourful reminder will quietly say it all: 'Eat wisely. Your future self will thank you.' Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Samosa, jalebi join cigarettes on health alert list
AI image NAGPUR: The jalebi might soon come with a guilt trip. The samosa, a side of shame. And your chai biscuit? A health warning on the wall behind it. The health ministry has ordered all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install "oil and sugar boards" - vivid posters spelling out how much hidden fat and sugar lurk in everyday snacks. It's a first step toward treating junk food like tobacco. The boards aim to act as quiet but pointed reminders in govt institutions, alerting citizens to the sugar and oil content in snacks considered cultural staples. A laddoo, a vada pav, a pakora - all under scrutiny. AIIMS Nagpur officials confirmed the directive. Cafeterias and public areas will soon display the warnings. "It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings," said Amar Amale, president of Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter. "Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating." Govt's internal note draws a sharp line under the country's growing obesity crisis. More than 44.9 crore Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050 - placing the country second only to the US. Already, one in five urban adults is overweight. The rise in childhood obesity, driven by poor diet and low activity, deepens the concern. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo "This is not about banning food," said senior diabetologist Sunil Gupta. "But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds." Doctors and health advocates see this as part of the broader war on non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, many of which are linked to diet. Nagpur will be among the first to reflect that shift - not with bans, but with bold, visual nudges. Near every tempting snack, a colourful sign will watch over: "Eat wisely. Your future self will thank you."
