FLAWED FOOD REGULATIONS FUEL THE OBESITY CRISIS

Subject:

• GS-2: Governance & Policy – Food Safety Standards, Consumer Rights, Health Policies
• GS-3: Health & Nutrition – Obesity Trends, Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs), Regulatory Effectiveness

Key Points

Obesity Surge & Policy Gaps

• National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5): One in four Indian adults is obese or pre-diabetic.
• Economic Survey 2025 suggests a ‘health tax’ on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
• Issues: Weak regulations, industry lobbying, and poor enforcement of food marketing rules.

Inadequate Labeling & Advertising

• Indian Nutrition Rating (INR): Launched by FSSAI in 2022, uses a 0.5-to-5-star health rating.
• Critique: Misleads consumers as unhealthy items (e.g., sodas, biscuits) earn favorable scores.
• RTI data: Food industry pressure sidelined health experts in shaping FSSAI policies.
• Global example: Chile’s ‘black high-in’ warning labels cut UPF intake by 24%.

Regulatory Weaknesses & Industry Power

• Consumer Protection Act (2019): Tackles misleading ads but lacks UPF-specific rules.
• FSSAI gaps: No firm definitions for High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods or ad limits.
• Result: Junk food firms market freely without highlighting high sugar, fat, or salt levels.

Health & Economic Toll

• Unregulated junk food ads drive childhood obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risks.
• Evidence shows robust food laws can markedly lower child obesity rates.

Proposed Reforms

• Replace INR with explicit ‘high-in’ warning labels.
• Set HFSS thresholds using WHO and ICMR standards.
• Unify laws to ban HFSS/UPF advertising comprehensively.
• Initiate a nationwide campaign on UPF health dangers.

Insights & Next Steps

• India’s obesity epidemic reflects a policy shortfall, not merely a health challenge.
• Tougher regulations, clear labeling, and ad restrictions are vital for a healthier nation.
• Urgent action on Economic Survey proposals is needed for impactful change.

Mains Practice Question

“Analyze India’s food labeling and advertising regulations in addressing obesity. Recommend policy steps to effectively regulate ultra-processed foods.”