Samosas and Jalebis May Soon Carry Warning Labels Like Cigarettes: Here’s What the Government Advisory Means

India has been battling an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. According to recent studies, nearly 77 million Indians are diabetic, and childhood obesity rates are also increasing rapidly.

To tackle this public health crisis, the government is focusing on reducing the consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods. The advisory aims to warn consumers directly at the point of purchase, encouraging them to make healthier choices.

Which Foods Are Under the Scanner?

The advisory doesn’t target only samosas and jalebis — it includes a broad range of popular Indian snacks and sweets, including:

• Deep-fried items like kachoris, pakoras, bhature, and vada pav
• Sugary sweets such as rasgullas, gulab jamuns, barfis, and jalebis
• Processed and packaged snacks that contain trans fats and excess salt

These foods are staples in many Indian homes and festivals but have been identified as key contributors to lifestyle-related diseases.

What Might These Warning Labels Say?

If implemented, the labels could be as striking and direct as those seen on cigarette packs. Expected warnings may include:

• “High Sugar — Increases Risk of Diabetes”
• “High Fat — Leads to Heart Disease”
• “Excess Salt — Can Cause High Blood Pressure”
• Graphic images similar to those used on tobacco products, to create a stronger psychological impact

The idea is to make consumers pause and reconsider before buying or consuming these items.

The Health Crisis That Led to This Move

India’s urban and semi-urban population is increasingly adopting sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Street food culture, though deeply rooted in tradition, has contributed to:

• A rise in central obesity (fat around the waistline)
• Early onset of type 2 diabetes even among teenagers
• Higher rates of hypertension and cholesterol issues at younger ages

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been urging countries to implement front-of-pack (FoP) labelling to help consumers identify unhealthy foods more easily.

Impact on Street Vendors and Traditional Food Culture

Street vendors and small eateries, known for selling affordable snacks and sweets, are likely to be the most affected. Many of them depend heavily on deep-fried and sugary items for their livelihood.

Some concerns raised include:

• Cost of changing packaging and adding warnings
• Potential loss of customers
• Threat to India’s vibrant street food culture

However, public health advocates argue that people’s health must take priority, and awareness is crucial.

Global Examples of Food Warning Labels

India is not the first country to consider such measures. Several countries have already introduced strong food labelling laws:

• Chile: Uses black stop-sign labels on high-sugar and high-fat products
• Mexico: Labels processed foods with clear warnings on sugar, salt, and fat
• UK: Follows a color-coded “traffic light” system indicating levels of sugar, fat, and salt

Evidence from these countries suggests that clear labelling can successfully reduce consumption of unhealthy foods over time.

Public and Expert Reactions

Experts’ Perspective

Nutritionists and health experts have largely supported the move. According to Dr. Shikha Sharma, a leading nutrition consultant, “Indians are increasingly consuming processed and fried foods. This advisory is a much-needed wake-up call.”

Public Opinion

People are divided:

• Some urban consumers, especially health-conscious groups, have welcomed the proposal as a step towards a healthier future.
• Many traditional food lovers feel that the government is interfering with personal choices and cultural practices.

On social media, debates are heating up, with some people joking that soon even “golgappas” might carry a “hazard” sign!

Next Steps and Possible Implementation

Currently, the advisory is not a legally binding regulation. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is expected to hold consultations with food industry representatives, public health experts, and consumer groups before finalizing any mandatory rules.

Potential next steps include:

• Drafting detailed guidelines for front-of-pack warning labels
• Pilot programs in selected states or cities
• Public education campaigns about healthy eating
• Possible future restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods to children