No health warnings for Samosas, jalebis: PIB issues statement; calls claims fake | India News
NEW DELHI: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government’s fact-checking wing, on Tuesday said that the Union health ministry did not advise vendors to carry warning labels on relished Indian snacks and desserts like samosas, jalebi, and laddoo.“The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo,” the PIB posted on X.This comes after several reports claimed that Cafeterias and public areas will soon display warnings for these foods, after an order from the health ministry, with Nagpur being the first to follow this directive. The reports further claimed that the ministry 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 PIB called it an initiative to urge people to make healthier choices to cut down on excess oil and sugar towards healthy eating and living.“The advisory is for healthier options and initiatives at workplaces and urges people to make healthier choices to cut down on excess oil and sugar towards healthy eating and living. It does not target India’s rich street food culture,” it added.The Union health ministry has introduced a significant initiative to foster healthier living and address the increasing prevalence of obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases, including diabetes and heart ailments. The proposal requires the prominent display of boards showing oil and sugar content in popular food items at schools, offices, and institutions across various departments and organisations. This includes both international foods like pizzas and burgers, as well as local favourites such as samosas, vada paav, and kachori.
