From Cigarettes To Samosas: India’s Next Public Health Fight Is On The Plate

That steaming samosa, syrupy gulab jamun or the crispy pakora could soon come with a side of visual caution. The Union Health Ministry has directed all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to display oil and sugar boards in cafeterias and public areas. These colourful posters will reveal the hidden fat and sugar content in beloved Indian snacks, turning everyday indulgences into informed decisions.

Officials at AIIMS Nagpur confirmed that the signage will soon be visible across the campus. It's part of a wider effort to raise awareness about the country’s growing obesity crisis, which doctors warn could soon rival the impact of tobacco use.

“This is the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings,” Dr. Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India’s Nagpur chapter, told TOI. “Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they’re eating.”

The Health Ministry’s internal memo highlights a staggering projection: over 44.9 crore Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050, placing the country second only to the US. Currently, 1 in 5 urban adults is overweight, with a sharp rise in childhood obesity also sounding alarm bells.

Experts emphasise that this initiative isn’t about banning food but empowering choice. “If people knew that a single gulab jamun could have five teaspoons of sugar, they might think twice before eating another,” Dr. Sunil Gupta, senior diabetologist, informed TOI.

The 'Eat Wisely' signs will serve as quiet nudges, placed next to popular snacks in government-run spaces. With Nagpur leading the way, the country might soon see food warnings where it least expected them—next to laddoos, not lighters.