New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not conducted any study to assess whether ultra-processed foods exhibit addiction-like behavioural characteristics comparable to tobacco products and other habit-forming substances, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said that based on available global scientific evidence, ICMR has indicated that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders.
However, these conditions are multifactorial in origin and high consumption of ultra-processed food is considered one of several modifiable risk factors. The available evidence is largely observational and does not, by itself, establish causality, it said.
Jadhav said the ICMR has undertaken several initiatives to create awareness about the health risks associated with excessive intake of ultra-processed foods.
He said the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024 recommend limiting free sugar intake, avoiding frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and minimising intake of ultra-processed foods. The guidelines also include advice on identifying ultra processed foods and reading food labels to enable informed consumer choices.
The minister said ICMR has also launched the "Let's Fix Our Food" initiative in collaboration with national and international partners to promote healthier food environments for children and adolescents.
The initiative seeks to improve school food environments, develop evidence-based communication materials, engage with schools, parents, policy makers and civil society, and encourage healthier food choices while discouraging consumption of foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
In addition, ICMR conducts nutrition awareness programmes through public lectures, workshops, training programmes, National Nutrition Month and other health campaigns, besides disseminating nutrition education material in regional languages, he said.
Jadhav informed that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also undertaken several initiatives to encourage healthy eating habits, including the 'Eat Right India' movement, the 'Aaj Se Thoda Kam' campaign to reduce fat, salt and sugar intake, and social media campaigns on obesity.
The FSSAI has launched the 'Eat Right Quiz on Obesity' in collaboration with MyGov and is also running the '#HarLabelKuchKehtaHai' campaign to improve consumers' understanding of food labels, he said.
It has also notified quality and safety standards for various food products, harmonised with international standards such as Codex, and regulates sugar, salt and fat content under existing rules and regulations.
The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 mandate disclosure of nutritional information, including total fat, added sugars, total sugars, carbohydrates, protein, energy and sodium content, along with ingredient lists, while prohibiting false or misleading labelling.
The Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 require advertisements and health claims to be truthful, scientifically substantiated and not misleading, while prohibiting claims that foods can prevent, treat or cure diseases unless specifically permitted under law, Jadhav stated.
Any violation of the regulations attracts regulatory and punitive action against non-compliant food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Jadhav said.
This report was published from a wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.
