[Answered] Compare the measures taken by countries like South Africa, Norway, and Mexico in regulating the food industry with the steps taken by India. Suggest measures that the Indian government can adopt to ensure the health and well-being of its citizens.

The regulation of the food industry is a critical aspect of public health & various nations employ various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens. As per a recent study by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, it is revealed that 11.4% of India’s population or 10.13 crore people are living with diabetes and 15.3% of the population, or an additional 13.6 crore people are pre-diabetic.

Measures taken by different countries to regulate food industry

• South Africa: Comprehensive food labelling is required in South Africa, and this includes information on ingredients, allergens, nutritional value, and place of origin. In order to fight obesity and encourage healthier beverage options, the nation imposed a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. For several food categories, South Africa adopted salt reduction targets to reduce the amount of salt in processed foods.
• Norway: To help people choose healthier products, Norway uses a traffic light system on food labels to show the nutritional quality of products. Norway has outlawed the use of trans fats from industrial production in food goods. The Norwegian government encourages a healthy diet in schools by limiting the kinds of food and drink that are available to children.
• Mexico: To combat the obesity problem, Mexico imposed a charge on sugar-sweetened beverages. Front-of-pack warning labels were implemented in the nation to identify unhealthy food items with a high sugar, salt, or saturated fat content. Mexico limits the promotion of unhealthy meals in schools and during children’s programming.
• India: India has established FSSAI to regulate and monitor food safety and standards. FSSAI sets food safety standards and regulations. India has implemented mandatory food labelling regulations, including allergen information and nutritional labelling. The Indian government has taken steps to limit trans fats in food products.

Measures taken by India to regulate food industry

• Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods: Scientific evidence shows that diets heavy with ultra-processed food and beverages or high in sugar, fat, and salt are risky and can lead to diabetes & cardiovascular disease.
• Advertising restrictions: Government needs to protect people’s choice of a healthy diet by regulating manipulative strategies of the food industry-defining ‘healthy food’, a warning label on unhealthy food, and restrictions on the promotion and marketing tactics of unhealthy food and beverages.
• Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of a balanced diet and the risks associated with excessive consumption of unhealthy foods.

Conclusion

Effectively regulating the food industry necessitates a comprehensive approach that engages the government, the industry, and consumers. India can benefit from the experiences of other nations while customizing its strategies to align with its distinctive socio-economic and cultural landscape, all to safeguard the health and welfare of its populace.