ArdorComm Media News Network
August 11, 2026
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not conducted any study to determine whether ultra-processed foods (UPFs) display addiction-like behavioural characteristics similar to tobacco or other habit-forming substances, the government informed the Lok Sabha.
Responding to a written question in Parliament, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said ICMR’s assessment is based on available global scientific evidence, which links higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with a greater risk of several health problems.
These include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain mental health disorders. However, the minister clarified that such conditions have multiple contributing factors, with excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods being only one of several modifiable risk factors.
The government also pointed out that much of the existing evidence on UPFs and health outcomes is observational. Therefore, the available research does not, on its own, establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
ICMR Steps Up Nutrition Awareness
Jadhav said ICMR has undertaken various measures to educate the public about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods.
The Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, advise people to limit their intake of free sugars, avoid frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods. The guidelines also encourage consumers to identify such products and read food labels before making purchasing decisions.
ICMR has additionally launched the “Let’s Fix Our Food” initiative in partnership with national and international organisations. The programme focuses on creating healthier food environments for children and adolescents by working with schools, parents, policymakers and civil society organisations.
The initiative aims to develop evidence-based communication resources, improve food environments in schools and encourage healthier eating habits, while discouraging the consumption of foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
The minister said ICMR also conducts nutrition awareness activities through public lectures, workshops, training programmes, National Nutrition Month campaigns and other public health initiatives. Educational material on nutrition is also disseminated in regional languages.
FSSAI Campaigns Promote Healthier Eating
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also introduced several initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier dietary choices.
These include the “Eat Right India” movement and the “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” campaign, which encourages consumers to reduce their intake of fat, salt and sugar. FSSAI is also using social media campaigns to raise awareness about obesity and related health concerns.
In collaboration with MyGov, FSSAI has launched the “Eat Right Quiz on Obesity”. Its #HarLabelKuchKehtaHai campaign seeks to help consumers better understand nutritional information and other details provided on food labels.
Jadhav said FSSAI has established quality and safety standards for a range of food products, aligned with international standards including those developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Existing regulations also govern the levels of sugar, salt and fat in food products.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, food manufacturers are required to disclose nutritional information such as energy, protein, carbohydrates, total sugars, added sugars, total fat and sodium, along with ingredient details. The rules also prohibit false or misleading labels.
Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 require food-related advertisements and health claims to be truthful, scientifically supported and not misleading. Claims that a food product can prevent, treat or cure diseases are prohibited unless specifically allowed under the law.
The government said violations of these regulations can result in regulatory and punitive action against non-compliant food business operators under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Source: PTI