Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan Chairs 2nd Meeting of Committee to Counter Misleading Publicity on Processed Foods

**Executive Summary** The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, chaired the second meeting of the committee established to counter misleading publicity related to processed foods. The meeting, held on February 2, 2026, in New Delhi, aimed to address myths and misinformation surrounding processed foods and ensure accurate information reaches citizens. The meeting included participation from committee members, senior officials, industry leaders, and representatives from industry associations. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Meeting Purpose:** Counter misleading publicity and misinformation surrounding processed foods. * **Minister's Emphasis:** * Food processing is critical for food safety, nutrition, waste reduction, and farmer income enhancement. * Address myths and misinformation through science-based communication, transparency, and responsible engagement. * Leverage social media influencers, digital platforms, and other mass communication channels to build a balanced public narrative. * Ensure correct and credible information on food processing reaches every citizen. * **Ministry's Actions:** * The Ministry outlined actions taken since the previous meeting, including stakeholder consultations, expert reviews, and nationwide outreach of approved FAQs. * Reiterated the need for coordinated stakeholder efforts to strengthen informed public discourse. * **Participants:** * Senior officers of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, including the Special Secretary and Joint Secretaries. * Heads and senior representatives from key regulatory and technical institutions like FSSAI and NIFTEM. * Leading industry associations like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, AIFPA, AFSTI and FSNM. * Senior executives from major food processing companies. **Impact Analysis** **Key Stakeholder: Citizens** * **Impact:** Citizens will receive more accurate and credible information regarding processed foods, leading to better-informed choices about their diet. * **Action Required:** None explicitly stated, but citizens are expected to benefit from the increased accuracy of information. **Key Stakeholder: Food Processing Industry** * **Impact:** The food processing industry is to actively participate in countering misleading publicity and promoting a balanced public narrative about processed foods. * **Action Required:** Industry participants need to actively engage with digital platforms and mass communication channels, promoting science-based facts and responsible engagement. **Key Stakeholder: Ministry of Food Processing Industries** * **Impact:** The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is responsible for spearheading the efforts to counter misinformation and strengthen informed public discourse regarding processed foods. * **Action Required:** The Ministry should continue to coordinate stakeholder consultations, expert reviews, and nationwide outreach programs. **Key Stakeholder: Regulatory Bodies (FSSAI, NIFTEM)** * **Impact:** To promote accurate information about processed foods based on food safety and standards * **Action Required:** Represent facts on food processing.

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