Weak food regulations increase obesity in India

Source: The post Weak food regulations increase obesity in India has been created, based on the article “Flawed food regulations fuel the obesity crisis” published in “The Hindu” on 11th March 2025. Weak food regulations increase obesity in India

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses India’s obesity crisis and how weak food regulations allow misleading marketing of unhealthy foods. It criticizes the Indian Nutrition Rating system and urges stronger labeling and advertising rules. It suggests warning labels, clear fat/sugar limits, and stricter laws.

For detailed information Rising Obesity Rates Challenge Health and Economy read this article here

Why is obesity a serious problem in India?

1. High Obesity Rates: One in four Indian adults is obese (NFHS-5).
2. Diabetes Prevalence: Similarly, one in four adults is either diabetic or pre-diabetic, according to the National Family Health Survey-5. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods contribute to this crisis.
3. Ineffective Regulations:The government plans a ‘health tax’ on UPFs, but weak regulations may reduce its impact.

What are the issues with food labeling in India?

1. No Front-of-Pack Warning Labels: India has not implemented clear warning labels for unhealthy foods despite earlier proposals.
2. Misleading Indian Nutrition Rating (INR): The INR system gives star ratings, which create a false health perception. For example:

• A high-sugar soft drink gets two stars instead of a clear warning.
• Cornflakes with high sugar and sodium get three stars, creating a false healthy image.

3. Ignored Effective Models: The FSSAI ignored its 2021 draft proposing a ‘traffic light’ color-coded system. In contrast, Chile’s ‘high in’ black labels reduced UPF consumption by 24%.

Why is food advertising regulation weak in India?

1. Multiple laws but no effectiveness: India has four laws to regulate misleading food ads, but none work properly.
2. Lack of nutritional disclosure: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, does not mandate revealing sugar, salt, or fat content in ads. For Example, Cola brands can advertise to children without mentioning 9-10 teaspoons of sugar per bottle.
3. No defined limits: FSSAI has not set clear thresholds for HFSS or UPFs.

Policy inaction: The 2017 National Multisectoral Action Plan suggested HFSS ad restrictions, but no action followed.

What should India do to improve food regulations?

1. Replace the Indian Nutrition Rating system with clear warning labels.
2. Set strict sugar, salt, and fat limits for HFSS foods using WHO and ICMR guidelines.
3. Close advertising loopholes by amending laws or introducing a new law for HFSS food ads.
4. Start a nationwide awareness campaign on UPF risks in all languages.

Conclusion

India’s obesity crisis is driven by policy failures, not just public choices. Weak labeling and advertising laws allow unhealthy foods to be marketed misleadingly. The 2025 Economic Survey suggests strict regulations, but implementation is slow. Urgent action is needed, including warning labels, sugar/fat limits, and advertising bans, to protect public health, especially children.

Question for practice:

Examine how weak food regulations in India contribute to the rising obesity crisis.