Latest news with #healthwarnings
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trade bodies welcome Ireland alcohol health warning labels delay
The local and European drinks trade has reacted positively to Ireland's delay of implementing health warnings and calorie information on alcoholic beverages. Reports emerged last week indicating the government's intention to delay putting the legislation into force. Two senior government officials told Politico the move was being made due to fears of US tariffs affecting Ireland's drinks exports. In a statement to Just Drinks yesterday (23 July), the Department of Health said: "Following the Government's decision to defer the implementation of alcohol labelling requirements from 2026 to 2028, the Department of Health will arrange for the necessary amendments to the relevant regulations." National drinks trade body Drinks Ireland welcomed the delay. It said the move brings "much-needed relief" for producers, "and allows our exporters to focus their resources and efforts on market diversification and indeed, survival of their businesses". The Irish drinks sector is already facing "major trade uncertainty, new tariffs on product[s] entering our most important export market, the US, and threats of further tariff escalation", the association said, adding while Irish producers are focused on exports, they also require a "strong, competitive domestic marketplace". The country passed the legislation in 2023. It required alcohol producers to include health warning labels on drinks labelling information for alcoholic beverages. The labels were intended to highlight the risks of drinking alcohol and include information on a product's calorie content. They were supposed to come into effect from May next year. The labelling law which was to be implemented "as a unilateral national measure" would have seen packaging and labelling costs go up "by some 35%", according to Drinks Ireland. The trade body argued that the law should be implemented at the EU level "to maintain the integrity of the EU Single Market and avoid additional costs on Irish businesses versus our competitors". "Pushing through this unilateral change would have resulted in some businesses forgoing the Irish market, would have driven up the price of doing business for all drinks producers and would have impacted on the cost and choice for consumers." EU wine trade body Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) also welcomed the Irish government's decision, describing it as "an important opportunity to re-align regulatory efforts with EU law and the principles of the Single Market". 'Introducing a unilateral and disproportionate health warning on all alcoholic beverages sold in Ireland would have imposed significant costs and administrative burdens, especially for small and medium-sized wine producers, while undermining the integrity of the EU Single Market and legal framework," said Marzia Varvaglione, president of the CEEV. "Public health objectives must be pursued in a legally sound and coordinated way. Fragmentation only leads to confusion for consumers and unnecessary costs for producers,' she added. The CEEV filed a complaint to the European Commission on Ireland's new labelling laws when they were announced two years ago, it said, stating that the legislation went against "the Union's legal framework". 'This pause shall be more than just a delay, it is a much-needed chance to rethink how we ensure consumers are well-informed, while also safeguarding the legal and economic coherence of the European market,' Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, the secretary general of CEEV, said. 'Wine producers and consumers deserve rules that are balanced, evidence-based, and applied consistently across the EU.' Delay with "real-life consequences", says charity Local charity Alcohol Action Ireland however said it was "disappointed" by the delay, arguing that the legislation was a crucial part of Ireland's Public Health (Alcohol) Act (2018), which looks to reduce the negative effects of alcohol, and cut down national consumption. Dr Sheila Gilheany, the CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, said: 'To say that this delay is a blow for public health in Ireland is an understatement. It is a failure of leadership and of democracy. "It's not just that Irish people are being denied their right to information regarding some of the facts about alcohol so that they can make informed decisions. It's not just that the government is allowing its own groundbreaking legislation to be undermined by the very industry it is designed to regulate. "This delay will have real-life consequences that will be felt by ordinary Irish people every day." "Trade bodies welcome Ireland alcohol health warning labels delay" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Beloved Indian snacks to soon carry health warnings
The Indian government is implementing health warnings for popular snacks like samosas and jalebis to be displayed as cautionary notices in public venues. These warnings are intended to make people aware of hidden oil, sugar and trans-fat content in food products, rather than being placed directly on the snack items themselves. The initiative stems from growing concerns over India 's escalating burden of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. Health experts largely support the move, drawing parallels between the health risks of sugar and trans fats and those of tobacco. However, the policy has drawn criticism from nutritionists and public figures who argue it unfairly targets traditional Indian foods while neglecting ultra-processed Western alternatives.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Popular Indian street foods like samosas and jalebis to now come with health warnings
The Indian government is poised to roll out health warnings for beloved Indian snacks such as samosas and jalebis to highlight their hidden oil, sugar, and trans-fat content. 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'. 📢Advisory issued by Union Health Ministry to display Oil and Sugar Boards in workplaces is an initiative to promote healthier dietary habitsThese Boards serve as behavioural nudges regarding hidden fats and excess sugar in various food productsThe Advisory does not direct… — PIB India (@PIB_India) July 15, 2025 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. Thanks to Hon'ble @PMOIndia @narendramodi ji's push for healthier workplaces, @MoHFW_INDIA has urged all govt offices to prominently display Sugar Boards. Sharing model Sugar Boards to display in offices. Tag us in your stories/postsDownload: @ICMRDELHI — ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition (@ICMRNIN) July 8, 2025 '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. The Indian government is poised to impose warning boards alongside beloved Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis to highlight their hidden oil, sugar, and trans-fat content (AFP via Getty Images) 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'. In light of @MoHFW_INDIA's move to inform consumers about ingredients in samosas & jalebis, the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee, which I chair, is currently reviewing @fssaiindia's plans to tackle India's growing #Obesity crisis, in line with PM @narendramodi ji's… — Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा (@milinddeora) July 14, 2025 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. The bridges fall with unprecedented frequency, people die but the regime worried about health risks of samosa-jalebi-pakora. What a cruel joke it has become. — Urvish Kothari ~ उर्वीश कोठारी (@urvish2020) July 15, 2025 I support a statutory warning on samosa-jalebi. It should say in bold letters: It's criminal to have just — ᴋᴀᴍʟᴇsʜ sɪɴɢʜ / tau (@kamleshksingh) July 14, 2025
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
India rolls out health warnings for popular Indian street foods like samosas and jalebis
The Indian government is poised to roll out health warnings for beloved Indian snacks such as samosas and jalebis to highlight their hidden oil, sugar, and trans-fat content. 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.
The Independent
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Muir ‘very disappointed' bonfire was lit despite warnings over asbestos
Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir has said he is 'very disappointed' that an Eleventh Night bonfire was lit in south Belfast despite warnings over asbestos on the site. The bonfire at Meridi Street, off the Donegall Road, had been the focus of health warnings, political rows and legal challenges throughout the week before it was ignited on Friday. Meanwhile, firefighters said they dealt with a 'challenging' situation on the Eleventh Night across Northern Ireland, including an attack on a firefighter attending a bonfire in Lisburn. Hundreds of bonfires were set alight on Friday ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Saturday. Controversy had surrounded the Meridi Street pyre, after warnings that there was asbestos on the site and that it was close to an electricity substation which powers the city's two main hospitals. In a statement on Saturday, Mr Muir said: 'I am very disappointed with the decision to light the bonfire. 'Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) staff monitored events last night along with statutory partners throughout the night. 'We will be engaging with other statutory partners in the coming days as we all assess the impact of the bonfire. 'NIEA will also focus on the efforts by the landowner to remove the asbestos pile safely from the site in the time ahead and the environmental crime investigation will continue. 'As I have already stated, a review must also be undertaken looking at lessons that can be learned involving all statutory partners.' Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) area commander Andy Burns said they dealt with 277 emergency 999 calls between 6pm on Friday and 2am on Saturday. He said: 'This resulted in our firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. 'Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am. 'During this period, the number of emergency calls received increased by 154% when compared to 2024. 'It was a challenging and extremely busy night for NIFRS with an increase in demand for our regional control centre and emergency response.' He added: 'Disappointingly, a firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty. 'This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening.' Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch said it was 'absolutely disgraceful that a firefighter was attacked while simply doing their job'. He added: 'Everyone should be able to celebrate their culture, but it must be done in a safe and respectful manner. 'Firefighters worked under difficult conditions last night to protect lives, property and infrastructure across the north. 'They deserve our full support and should never face violence for keeping our communities safe.' Meanwhile, effigies of the Irish rap group Kneecap topped a different bonfire in south Belfast, and there was condemnation of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on other pyres in loyalist neighbourhoods. A bonfire at Roden Street in Belfast was topped with effigies of Kneecap, as well as a sign written in the Irish language. A bonfire in Eastvale Avenue in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, featured the group on a poster with the wording 'Kill Your Local Kneecap', seemingly in response to a clip that emerged from a gig in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' There was also criticism of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on a number of bonfires, including one in the Highfield area of west Belfast. A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including a controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which had been widely criticised by political representatives and church leaders after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat. The PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire. The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets. Below the boat were several placards, one saying: 'Stop the boats', and another saying: 'Veterans before refugees'.
