New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry today refuted recent media reports claiming that it has directed warning labels to be issued on Indian snacks like samosa, jalebi, and laddoo. The Ministry clarified that such reports are misleading, incorrect, and baseless.

In a statement, the Ministry said there have been some media reports claiming that the Union Health Ministry has directed the issuance of warning labels on food products such as samosa, jalebi, and laddoo. “These media reports are misleading, incorrect, and baseless,” the Ministry stated.

The Union Health Ministry had separately issued an advisory as part of an initiative to encourage healthier choices in workplaces. It advises the display of boards in various workplace areas such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, meeting rooms, etc., to raise awareness about the harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items. These boards are meant to serve as daily reminders in the fight against obesity, the burden of which is rising sharply in the country, the statement added.

The Ministry categorically stated that its advisory does not direct warning labels on food products sold by vendors and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. “It does not target India’s rich street food culture,” it said.

The Ministry emphasised that the general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, not specifically any particular item. The advisory also promotes other health messages such as encouraging the consumption of healthy meals like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and suggests integrating physical activity into daily routines—such as using stairs, organising short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes.

This initiative is part of the Ministry’s flagship programmes under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). Excessive consumption of oil and sugar are key contributors to the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related diseases, the press note further stated. DeshGujarat