Written By: Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : July 14, 2025 4:34 PM IST
The government has directed all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install 'oil and sugar boards' posters that show exactly the fat and sugar content in the most commonly consumed Indian snacks.
According to reports, the campaign comes with an aim to position junk food risks in public consciousness, similar to the tobacco warning on cigarette packs.
Most cafes and other public places, especially government institutions, will soon have bold visual cues of 'oil and sugar boards' to nudge health risks on everyday Indian snacks like laddu, vada pav, pakora, samosa, to jelibi.
Dr Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, tells a leading media outlet, "This is 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."
"This is not about banning food. But if people knew that one gulab jamun might contain five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before going for seconds," senior diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta added.
A first-of-its-kind initiative, this campaign encourages nationwide to take part in fighting against non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, stroke, etc.
This latest campaign strongly aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Fit India" campaign and his push for a 10% reduction in national oil consumption.
"Today, lifestyle diseases are on the rise in India, affecting even the young. Cases of diabetes and hypertension are on the rise and are even common among children in India. But small lifestyle changes can prevent these lifestyle diseases. 'Fit India Movement' is an effort to bring these small lifestyle changes," the PM said during the launch of the "Fit India" campaign.
