No Ban On Samosas Or Jalebis: Govt Says Health Advisory Doesn’t Target Indian Street Food, Slams ‘Baseless’ Reports
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that its recent advisory promoting the display of ‘Oil and Sugar Boards’ at workplaces is aimed at encouraging healthier dietary habits, and not at singling out or targeting Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis or laddoos. In a statement posted on Tuesday, the Ministry said, “Advisory issued by Union Health Ministry to display Oil and Sugar Boards in workplaces is an initiative to promote healthier dietary habits. These Boards serve as behavioural nudges regarding hidden fats and excess sugar in various food products. The Advisory does not direct carrying of ‘Warning Labels’ on certain food products. Health Ministry Advisory does not target Indian snacks and India’s rich street food culture.”
The clarification comes amid a series of media reports suggesting that the government had mandated health warnings on popular Indian snacks. The Ministry called such claims “misleading, incorrect, and baseless.”
No Warning Labels, Only Awareness Tools: Health Ministry
Refuting the reports, the Health Ministry emphasised that the advisory does not involve placing warning labels on food products sold by vendors. Instead, the initiative is focused on awareness campaigns within institutional spaces.
The Ministry noted that the advisory was intended “towards making healthier choices at workplaces,” by encouraging the installation of educational boards in areas such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias and meeting rooms. These boards aim to serve as “daily reminders on fighting obesity,” which continues to pose a significant health burden in India.
All Food Categories Included, No Targeting of Specific Items
Reiterating that the guidance is not selective, the Ministry stressed, “The Health Ministry Advisory does not direct Warning Labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. It does not target India’s rich street food culture.”
The PIB also reiterated through its official Fact Check handle on X (formerly Twitter), “Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo. This claim is fake.”
The advisory falls under the Ministry’s flagship National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The Ministry highlighted that excessive intake of oil and sugar is a key factor in the increasing incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other lifestyle-related illnesses in the country.
Beyond food awareness, the advisory also promotes healthier lifestyle choices, including the consumption of fruits, vegetables and low-fat meals. It encourages behavioural shifts like using stairs, organising short physical activity breaks, and creating accessible walking routes within workplace premises.
india