Parliament Question: Growth Rate of Ultra Processed Foods

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH RESEARCH LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 5549 TOBE ANSWERED ON27TH MARCH, 2026 GROWTH RATEOFULTRAPROCESSEDFOODS 5549.DR. SAMBITPATRA: Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government has undertaken or proposes to undertake any study to ascertain the increasing consumption growth rate of ultra processed foods inthe Country,if so,details thereof; (b) whether the Government proposes to conduct a study to identify the relationship between increasing consumption of such foods and the increase in obesity and other non-communicable diseases, if so, the detailsthereof; (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to create awareness amongst the masses against consumption of ultra processed foodsand infavour of healthyfood habits; and (d) whether the Government is likely to formulate a policy in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that access to and availability of ultra processed food are regulated at public places such as educational institutions, railway stations, airports, hospitals etc. to protect the health of the countrymen,if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a)to(d): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that no specific study has been conducted to ascertain the growth in consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the country. However, available evidence from sources such as the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–23 and 2023–24 of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the ICRIER–WHO (2023) report, and published scientific literature indicate increasing trends in the consumption of processed and ultra-processed food items in India. The Government continues to address these risks through nutrition, health promotion, and regulatory measures. The Government has taken several initiatives some of which are outlined below: i. ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024) (https://www.nin.res.in/dietaryguidelines2024.html), specifically have dedicated Guidelines15 and 17 to restrict consumption of UPFs and High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) foods and readfood labels. ii. In order to enable consumers to make informed choices while selecting the food articles,Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directedthe mention of nutritional information on the labels w.r.t salt, sugar and fat through the Food Safety and Standards(Labelling andDisplay) Regulations, 2020 iii. DevelopmentofFront-of-PackLabeling(FOPL)toprovideclearwarningsignsonunhealthy packagedfoods isbeingactively pursued byFSSAI. iv. FSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020 outlining the responsibilities of school authorities to ensure the availability of safe and nutritious food on school premises while also promoting balanceddietsinandaround school campuses. v. Eat Right certificates are awarded to ensure food safety and hygiene in the establishments where food is prepared or served, so far over 12,000 certifications have been awarded for schools, railwaystations, campus, street food hubsetc. underEatRight India movement vi. To address the adverse effects of consuming foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, FSSAI has undertaken the campaign called 'Aaj se Thoda Kam' to promote moderate consumption. It encourages consumers to gradually reduce their intake of fat, salt, and sugar through dietary modifications. vii. TheFSSAIhascarriedoutanawarenesscampaignacrossitssocialmediaplatformstoraise awareness. As a part of this campaign, a wide range of creative, videos, and reels have been disseminated to engage audiences and convey critical messages on health in a relatable and impactful manner. These informational and awareness videos are also available on FSSAI’s YouTube channeltoensure wider accessibility. viii. The NCERT, UGC, and MOHFW have advised schools, educational institutes and work placestodisplay sugar andfat boardsto increase awareness. *****