No Health Warnings for Indian Snacks Like Samosas and Jalebis, Says PIB (Image Source: ChatGPT)
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that the Union Health Ministry has not issued any warning labels on relished Indian snacks such as samosas, jalebis, and laddoos. This clarification came after several media outlets reported that these items would soon carry health warnings.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PIB dismissed the viral claims. It stated that the health ministry’s advisory does not ask vendors to label specific food products. Instead, it is a general guideline aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits. "There is no special focus on Indian foods like samosas or sweets," the PIB confirmed.
The message behind the advisory is to help people understand the dangers of consuming too much sugar and oil in their diet. It is not meant to attack traditional street foods or cultural favorites, but rather to promote better lifestyle choices.
The Union Health Ministry’s communication was more about promoting health at offices and public spaces. The idea is to encourage institutions to create awareness about balanced diets and reduce consumption of high-fat, high-sugar foods. This is part of a larger movement to support healthy living among Indians.
Reports that cafeterias will display warning signs next to snacks were exaggerated, according to the PIB. While some institutions like AIIMS Nagpur have received internal instructions to raise awareness about food content, this is not a country-wide directive.
Health officials have expressed concern over rising obesity in India. A government letter cited data suggesting that over 44 crore Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050. Currently, one in five adults in urban areas is already overweight, and childhood obesity is also on the rise due to unhealthy diets and inactive lifestyles. However, the current advisory focuses on awareness—not bans or warnings on specific foods.
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