Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 14: In a move aimed at tackling India’s rising obesity crisis, the Union Health Ministry has directed all government canteens and eateries to prominently display warning boards showing the levels of sugar, fat, and oil in popular foods such as samosas, jalebis, pakoras, and soft drinks.

Dubbed “oil and sugar boards,” the initiative mirrors tobacco-style health warnings and is part of the government’s broader push under the Fit India Movement. These boards, to be displayed both physically and digitally, will inform consumers about the health risks of high-fat and high-sugar items and suggest recommended intake limits.

Cardiologist Dr. Amar Amle praised the move, calling it “a highly commendable step” to address the silent epidemic of obesity. “With nearly 45 crore people projected to be obese by 2050, awareness about everyday foods is critical,” he said.

The directive follows similar measures introduced earlier this year in schools, where CBSE asked institutions to install “sugar boards” to promote early nutritional awareness among students.

Experts say the initiative aligns with global efforts to fight non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan from Kerala’s IMA Research Cell noted that poor dietary habits, combined with sedentary lifestyles, are major drivers of India’s health burden.

Meanwhile, MP Milind Deora highlighted ongoing discussions in Parliament, where lawmakers are pushing for consistent food labelling regulations across all categories, including alcohol, to ensure Indian cuisine isn’t unfairly targeted while foreign junk food goes unchecked.

Health experts agree that early and accessible information is key. “We must empower people to make better choices—starting from schools to government offices,” Jayadevan added.