Flawed Food Regulations Fuel the Obesity Crisis

Prime Minister of India’s call to tackle obesity and the 2025 Economic Survey’s recommendation for a ‘health tax’ on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are commendable.

Obesity in India

• About: Obesity is defined by excess body fat (adipose tissue) that may impair health. It is a long-term (chronic) health condition that progresses over time.
• Rising Obesity: 1 in 4 Indian adults is obese. 1 in 4 adults is either diabetic or pre-diabetic (National Family Health Survey-5). 
• Cause: The high consumption of UPFs contributes to these alarming health statistics.

Challenges in Implementing Food Regulations in India

• Lack of Enforcement: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and various Ministries have failed to enforce clear labelling and advertising rules since 2017.
• Regulation Issue: Regulations remain vague, favoring industry interests over public health.
• Absence of Label: Front-of-pack warning labels are still absent, allowing unregulated marketing of unhealthy foods.
• Ineffective Rating System: FSSAI introduced the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) in September 2022, a ‘health star’ labelling system influenced by industry lobbying.
  • However, this model, based on Australia’s ineffective system, fails to protect consumer interests.
• Misleading Health Stars: HFSS (High Fat, Salt, and Sugar) foods like biscuits and soft drinks can still get 2+ stars. Corn flakes, despite being high in sugar and sodium, receive 3 stars. This creates a false health perception for unhealthy foods.
• Industry Influence: FSSAI relied on an IIM Ahmedabad study without critical review. Scientific panel members were sidelined in decision-making. 2021 ‘traffic light’ warning label proposal was scrapped under industry pressure.
• Ineffective Laws : Four laws aim to curb misleading ads, but lack enforcement. National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017) suggested ad restrictions, but no action has been taken.
• Gaps in Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection Act (2019) defines misleading ads, but nutritional transparency is not enforced. HFSS and UPF definitions are still missing from FSSAI regulations.
• Impact : Unregulated ads for junk food lead to higher obesity and diabetes rates. Studies confirm that banning junk food ads can significantly reduce childhood obesity.

Way Forward

• Global Practices: Chile’s ‘high in’ black labels led to a 24% drop in UPF consumption. Most countries follow clear ‘high in’ warnings, rather than confusing star ratings.
• Adopting WHO Guidelines: India should adopt the WHO guidelines or National Institute of Nutrition’s standards.
• Stricter Labelling: The Economic Survey 2025 emphasizes the need for stringent front-of-pack labels and stricter marketing curbs to combat obesity and the rising prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)
• Adopt Warning Labels: Replace the misleading ‘health star’ system with clear warning labels. 
  • Use WHO SEARO guidelines or Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) standards for classification.
• Nutritional Limits Define threshold limits for sugar, salt, and fat in pre-packaged foods. Enforce these limits through mandatory regulations.
• Strengthen regulations: Close loopholes in current advertising laws. Introduce a comprehensive law to regulate HFSS/UPF marketing, especially targeting children.
• Awareness Campaign: Educate consumers about the health risks of UPFs. Ensure the campaign reaches all linguistic and demographic groups.

Conclusion

India’s obesity crisis is not due to public failure but policy failure. The Prime Minister’s vision of a healthy India requires a regulatory framework that prioritizes public health over corporate interests.