On the occasion of World Food Safety Day, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda unveiled a new awareness campaign led by the FSSAI in Bengaluru, promoting safe and healthy eating to curb rising obesity levels across India.
Highlighting the critical link between national development and public health, the Minister emphasized that a healthy population is essential for building a strong and developed India (Viksit Bharat). He urged citizens to adopt balanced diets and remain conscious of their daily calorie intake, echoing the Prime Minister’s call to reduce oil consumption by 10%.
Rising Obesity Rates in India
Citing a study by ICMR (2008–2020), Nadda revealed a 39% increase in obesity in urban regions and a 23% rise in rural areas. If unchecked, by 2050, one-third of India’s population could be obese. The Minister expressed concern over the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Educational Measures and Public Outreach
To tackle the issue, the FSSAI and Ministry of Education are collaborating to raise awareness among children. As part of the initiative:
- An ‘Eat Right’ activity book was released to be distributed in schools and railway stations.
- The NCERT will incorporate lessons on healthy eating, millet consumption, and nutritious diets in school curricula.
- A new Salt and Sugar Board was launched to promote reduction in salt, sugar, and fat intake, recommending daily fat consumption be limited to 27–30 grams.
These steps are aimed at instilling lifelong healthy food habits starting from a young age.
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