Health ministry: 'Sugar & oil boards' advisory doesn't target Indian snacks

NEW DELHI: The health ministry on Tuesday clarified that its advisory to put 'sugar and oil boards' in offices did not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors and has not been discriminatory towards Indian snacks.

The general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and is not specific to any food product, it said, as the ministry tried to battle the backlash over what many claimed was an attack on street food.

The advisory talks about display of 'oil and sugar boards' in various areas of workplaces, such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias and meeting rooms, to raise awareness on harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items. These boards are meant to serve as daily reminders on fighting obesity, the burden of which is sharply rising in the country, said an official. She added that the advisory does not direct warning labels on food products sold by vendors and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. "It does not target India's rich street food culture ," the official said.

The advisory mentions other messages like having healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and low-fat options, along with making suggestions for opting for physical activity.