Samosas, Jalebis and Laddoos to carry health warnings like cigarette packs

Your favorite treats like samosas, jalebis and laddoos may soon come with stark health warnings, similar to those found on cigarette packs.

According to a report, India's Union Health Ministry has directed all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install “Sugar and Oil Boards”—bold visual displays highlighting the hidden fat and sugar content in popular Indian snacks. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the health risks of high-fat, high-sugar foods by treating them with the same seriousness as tobacco.

New ‘Sugar and Oil’ Boards

These prominently displayed posters are being mandated across government institutions, particularly in cafeterias and public spaces, to act as quiet yet impactful reminders of the nutritional content in commonly consumed snacks.

An AIIMS Nagpur official confirmed the directive, saying, “This marks the beginning of food labelling being taken as seriously as cigarette warnings.”

Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India’s Nagpur chapter, supported the move, telling TOI: “Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People have a right to know what they’re eating.”

Is Your Snack Under Scrutiny?

Unless it's steamed, sugar-free, and fat-free, the answer is likely yes. Traditional Indian snacks such as laddoos, vada pav, pakoras, samosas, and jalebis are all expected to fall under this new food awareness initiative.

A Response to Obesity Epidemic

The directive stems from a growing public health concern: India is facing a mounting obesity crisis. According to the health ministry’s internal note, over 449 million Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050—placing India second only to the United States in terms of obesity burden.

The new awareness campaign is a step toward curbing this alarming trend by encouraging more informed food choices among the public.