Obesity in India: Labelling and Junk Food Advertising Gaps
Why in the news
A commentary on India’s rising obesity and diabetes burden argues that poor food labelling and weak advertising rules blunt any attempt to curb ultra-processed foods.
Key facts
- NFHS-5: 1 in 4 adults is obese; 1 in 4 is diabetic or pre-diabetic.
- Economic Survey 2025 proposed a health tax on UPFs.
- FSSAI’s Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), 2022 is loosely modelled on Australia’s health star system.
- Traffic light warning labels in the 2021 draft rules were dropped after industry pressure.
INR ratings that mislead
| Product | Stars | Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits | 2 | High fat, sugar, salt |
| Soft drinks | 2 | High sugar |
| Cornflakes | 3 | High sugar, sodium |
Weak advertising rules
- Four laws exist against misleading HFSS/UPF ads, yet none works well.
- The 2017 National Multisectoral Action Plan urged limits on HFSS ads; nothing followed.
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 defines misleading ads but does not require nutrition details in them.
- FSSAI rules lack a clear HFSS/UPF definition and ad disclosure norms.
- Marketing targets children and youth; evidence shows junk food ad bans lower childhood obesity.
Way forward
- Replace INR with mandatory ‘high in’ warning labels per WHO or ICMR guidelines.
- Set sugar, salt and fat thresholds for HFSS foods using WHO SEARO and ICMR-NIN guidance.
- Close ad loopholes through amended laws or one consolidated ban; restrict ads aimed at children.
- Run a multilingual national campaign on UPF risks.
Exam angle
- Terms: HFSS (high fat, sugar, salt), UPF, INR.
- Regulator: FSSAI.