The Escalating Health Threats from Ultra-processed and High Fat, Salt, and Sugar Foods: Urgent Need for Tailoring Policy

Abstract

With its colonial past, and a glaring problem of poverty and hunger, India oft fails to acknowledge a new, rapidly growing problem of overnutrition. With the economic boost and entry of various foreign players from the food industry, Indian citizens have been increasingly exposed to ultra-processed, high in sugar, salt and fat foods (HFSS foods). The last decade or so has seen an exponential rise in the consumption of such foods, leading to increasing prevalence of overweight- and obesity-related illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, etc. In this scenario, examining the efficacy of policy-related measures in reducing consumption of these harmful foods and preventing the associated health issues is paramount. Across the globe, several countries have explored options from taxation on HFSS foods to restricting marketing to children, as well as different practices for front of the pack labeling. In the context of India and its increasing burden of preventable, diet-related illnesses, the urgent need of instituting these preventive policies at national scale cannot be neglected.

Insights into European regulatory solutions on implementation of fat tax - a scoping review

“…Among other things, the possibility of introducing nudges, subsidies, labeling, or education was discussed. Few of them focused on improvement of children's health [41,42,61,70,71], especially when it comes to excess weight and obesity. Education has been chosen as the most effective form of combating this problem.…”

Intake of ultra-processed food, dietary diversity and the risk of nutritional inadequacy among adults in India

“…Advocating for reformulation of ultra-processed packaged foods to reduce the content of fat, sugar and salt in it will ensure healthier intakes among population (47) . Application of front-of-pack labelling schemes on ultra-processed foods can be effective to help consumers judge the healthfulness of a food product (48) .…”

Are advertising policies affirmative in restricting the marketing of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in India?: evidence from SWOT Analysis

“…Due to the economic upsurge, the role of various foreign players from the food industry and aggressive marketing, Indians have been increasingly exposed to ultra-processed, high sugar, salt and fat foods (HFSS) foods. 5 …”

“…22 The WHO (2022) urges states to implement comprehensive policy approaches to restrict the marketing of foods that contribute to unhealthy diets of children. 5 , 10 Countries across the globe also started to act. In alignment with the commission set up by the WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and WHO–UNICEF–Lancet Commission, it is essential to protect children from harmful marketing that encourages unhealthy diets.…”