The Centre has clarified that it has not issued any warning labels for popular Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis, or laddoos.
The Union Health Ministry made it clear on Tuesday that there is no move to label or target foods sold by street vendors, and the advisory does not single out Indian street food in any way.
Instead, the Health Ministry recently issued a general health advisory aimed at encouraging healthier food choices in workplaces.
This includes placing educational boards in office spaces like lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, and meeting rooms. These boards are designed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of eating too much sugar and fat, which are often hidden in many foods.
"The Health Ministry 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," read the Centre's statement.
The Ministry said this effort is meant as a reminder to help people make better food decisions. It is not focused on any specific food items but is about promoting a healthy lifestyle overall.
Along with messages about food, the advisory also includes suggestions to increase physical activity, such as using stairs, taking short walking breaks, and choosing healthier meal options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods.
This effort is part of the Ministry's key programmes under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), since India is facing a growing health crisis of heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure.
Eating too much oil and sugar is a major reason behind the increasing number of cases of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other lifestyle-related illnesses in the country.
KICKING OFF IN NAGPUR
The campaign is kicking off in Nagpur, with AIIMS Nagpur chosen as the pilot site for the initiative.
As part of the plan, cafeterias and public eating areas on campus will start putting up bright, easy-to-read boards near food counters. These boards will share simple messages to help people understand the health risks of eating too much sugar and fat.
