Health Alert: Samosa, Jalebi Under Scrutiny

Source: Chaitanya Deshpande, The Times of India

The Union Health Ministry of India has issued a directive to all central institutions — including educational campuses, hospitals, and government offices — to install "Oil and Sugar Boards" at food outlets. These boards will display the fat, sugar, and oil content in commonly consumed snacks.

⚠️ What's the Goal?

The initiative aims to:

• Educate the public about unhealthy food choices
• Curb the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases
• Encourage informed decision-making among consumers

🍴 Foods Under Watch:

• Samosa – High in trans fats and deep-fried oils
• Jalebi – Packed with refined sugar and syrup
• Laddoo – Often loaded with ghee and sugar

🧾 What Will the Boards Show?

• Grams of oil/fat per serving
• Amount of sugar per piece
• A traffic light system (expected in some places) to signal health risks: 🔴 High 🟡 Moderate 🟢 Low

📢 Why This Matters:

India is witnessing a surge in lifestyle diseases, particularly among youth and working professionals. With traditional snacks often being consumed in excess, this move by the Health Ministry is a preventive public health measure.