Nutrition and wellness expert Rujuta Diwekar has slammed the Union Health Ministry’s order urging all ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies to display health warnings, similar to those for tobacco and cigarettes, on popular Indian snacks such as jalebis and samosas.
This new order hasn’t gone down well with many, including Rujuta, who took to her Instagram handle to criticise the move and pointed to a bigger, more real problem: the consumption of ultra-processed foods such as colas and crisps. She instead urged the ministry to “regulate and tax big food.”
Her post read:”Tobacco is an independent risk factor. It harms irrespective of environment and lifestyle. There is ample proof of that. Samosa and jalebi ne aap ka kya bigada hai? If we are serious about health warnings—colas, chips, cookies etc. must get them first. Regulate and tax big food.”
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She captioned: “Ultra-processed food products are the real problem. And there is ample proof of that too.”
Many agreed with her, with one user writing, “Fast food has a whole industry that lobbies regularly against these things. Alas, samosas and pakoras have no one to take their side.” Another follower shared, “Can’t agree more! Our Indian snacks are indulgences that our DNA knows. The dead packaged food, Pepsi, cola, Lays, and whatnot are the REAL CULPRITS and need strong labels of warning.” A third said, “I was waiting for your comment on this. I am from Indore, samosa-jalebi is our staple food.”
This new directive from the Union Health Ministry has come in light of the alarming increase in obesity rates among Indians. As a result, government canteens and eateries will carry a warning about the amount of sugar and oil that has been added to the food, similar to the warning boards used for cigarettes and tobacco.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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