In News:

The Economic Survey 2024–25 underscores the adverse impact of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) on public health, particularly among children and youth, and calls for urgent regulatory intervention.

Key Recommendations

• Stringent Front-of-the-Pack Labelling (FOPL): The Survey advocates for clear, enforceable FOPL rules to inform consumers, curb misleading nutrition claims, and restrict aggressive marketing, especially those targeted at children and adolescents.
• Stronger Role for FSSAI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is advised to:
  • Define UPFs clearly in regulation.
  • Establish labelling standards.
  • Monitor compliance of branded products.
• ‘Health Tax’ Proposal: The Survey proposes higher taxes on UPFs, especially brands engaging in excessive advertising, to act as a deterrent and promote healthier food choices.
• Awareness and Education: It recommends targeted awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, integrated with broader health and lifestyle campaigns, to reduce the rising consumption of UPFs.

Why this matter

• Rising Consumption: According to a 2023 WHO report, India’s UPF consumption grew from $900 million (2006) to over $37.9 billion (2019).
• Long-term National Impact: India's ?2,50,000 crore UPF industry is built on hyper-palatability and is a threat to India’s demographic dividend, productivity, and future economic growth.

Health Risks of UPFs

• Directly linked to:
  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders
  • Mental health issues, especially among youth
• Poor dietary intake due to UPFs contributes to micronutrient deficiencies, while synthetic additives may have long-term biological impacts.

What are Ultra-Processed Foods?

UPFs are industrial formulations that undergo extensive processing and typically include:

• Artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and other cosmetic additives.
• High sugar, salt, and fat content for taste enhancement.
• Low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
• Designed for convenience and high palatability, often leading to overconsumption.

Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods

(As per Indian Council of Medical Research - ICMR):

• Commercial bakery items: bread, cakes, biscuits, breakfast cereals
• Snack foods: chips, fries
• Condiments: sauces, jams, mayonnaise
• Dairy & protein products: processed cheese, butter, protein powders, soy chunks, tofu
• Frozen and ready-to-eat foods with additives
• Beverages: energy drinks, health drinks, sweetened fruit juices
• Refined flours of cereals, millets, legumes
• Culinary ingredients containing cosmetic additives like artificial colours or emulsifiers