Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 12: A new initiative by the Ministry of Health to install sugar and oil awareness boards in government offices and schools is drawing strong praise from health experts, who view it as a significant stride toward creating a healthier India.

The ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that the Ministry has called for prominent display of educational boards that highlight the dangers of excessive sugar and oil consumption.

These visual boards—in poster and digital formats—outline the hidden fat and sugar content in popular Indian and fast foods like samosas, kachoris, pizzas, pakoras, banana chips, burgers, soft drinks, and pastries. They also explain how these ingredients affect the body and provide guidance on recommended daily intake.

“An excellent step for public awareness,” said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the WHO. She added that clearer food labelling and dietary improvements in public food schemes like the PDS and school meal programs could further enhance this effort.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is spearheading the project, called the move part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a healthier nation. The agency described the campaign as an “innovative behavioural change strategy” under its ongoing Eat Right India (ERI) initiative.
“These boards will help curb obesity by enabling people to make better food choices,” FSSAI said on X.

The initiative aligns with global health recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total daily energy, ideally reducing it to below 5%.

In line with this national campaign, the CBSE issued a directive in May requiring schools to install sugar boards, particularly as part of their health and nutrition education.

Medical professionals say this intervention is both timely and essential, given the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

“Obesity and NCDs are on the rise due to poor diet and lack of exercise,” said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell at Kerala State IMA. “This move brings early awareness. Teaching kids about nutrition early on will go a long way in preventing chronic illness.”

He further pointed out that sugar often lurks in beverages and snacks, while oil—high in calories—is widespread in Indian diets. “Educating people about moderation is key,” Jayadevan added.

Experts agree: building awareness through such initiatives could be one of the simplest, most effective steps toward a healthier future for India.