In 2017, the government developed a National Multisectoral Action Plan to prevent and control common NCDs to contain rising obesity and diabetes by 2025. As an immediate step, a cut-off limit for sugars, salt or fats in pre-packaged food products must be adopted, he said.
One in four adults is obese and one in four Indians has diabetes, according to the article. “UPF sales are growing by a compounded annual growth rate of 13.7 per cent. Pervasive marketing strategies and advertisements backed by massive budgets is a possible reason for the rise,” it said.
Quoting NAPi’s report, The Junk Push, the article said the food industry does not disclose the the number of nutrients of concern such as sugars, salt or fats in the advertisements.
In 2017, India recommended, through a national multi-sectoral plan, action to prevent and control NCDs using legal measures to have front of the pack labels and a ban on advertisements. It is yet to be implemented, it said.
