Urgent Call for Implementing Transparent Food Labeling to Combat Obesity and Promote Public Health

In this communication dated August 5, 2023, Lenin Raghuvanshi, an Ayurvedacharya, addresses an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the pressing issue of public health, particularly in the context of nutrition and dietary habits. The letter commences with a heartfelt congratulation to the Prime Minister for his exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledges his efforts in the realm of public health and local food preservation.

Lenin Raghuvanshi, drawing from his personal experience of a 12-day stay in the ICU during the second wave of the pandemic, emphasizes the critical role of health and immunity, which he found to be significantly impacted by a protein-rich diet. The adverse effects of packaged foods high in fat, sugar, and salt are highlighted as contributors to obesity and chronic diseases.

The communication underscores the complex issue of "double burden of malnutrition" in India, with both undernutrition and obesity affecting millions, including 15 million obese children and 45 million children with stunted growth. The writer attributes unhealthy food choices, largely influenced by ultra-processed foods, as the underlying cause.

Addressing the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, Lenin Raghuvanshi proposes the implementation of a transparent warning label system for "nutrients of concern" to dissuade the consumption of harmful foods. He acknowledges the efforts of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in introducing the "Indian Nutrition Rating" (INR) system but suggests expanding it to include such warning labels.

The writer earnestly calls for the enforcement of a mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) regulation for packaged food products. He proposes that these labels adhere to a robust nutrient profile model, featuring warning labels for products with excessive fat, sugar, or salt content.

The letter concludes with an appeal to the Prime Minister to champion healthier food practices, highlighting that this initiative would not only benefit India's public health but also enhance the global perception of Indian-made processed food products. The writer expresses gratitude for the Prime Minister's leadership and awaits action on these recommendations.

As of August 21, 2023, the case is marked as closed, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reviewing feedback on draft regulations related to food labeling and display amendments. The response suggests that an Expert Committee is reviewing comments and necessary actions will be taken in due course. The contact information of Shri Ankeshwar Mishra, Joint Director GA at FSSAI, is provided for further inquiries.

Registration Details:

Registration Number: DHLTH/E/2023/0009484

Name of Complainant: Lenin Raghuvanshi

Date of Receipt: 05/08/2023

Received By Ministry/Department: Health & Family Welfare

Grievance Description:

Category: Health & Family Welfare >> Other

Subject: An Urgent Appeal for Healthier Food Practices and Regulations

Your Excellency Shri Narendra Modi Ji,

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for your remarkable leadership, which has driven numerous initiatives to improve public health and preserve local dietary traditions. Your unwavering dedication during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic has been a true inspiration to all.

During my 12-day stay in the ICU during the second wave of the pandemic, I came to deeply understand the paramount importance of health and immunity, which can be bolstered through a diet rich in high-quality proteins. This experience also exposed the harmful impacts of packaged foods that are laden with excessive fat, sugar, and salt, contributing to the alarming rise in obesity and chronic diseases.

India grapples with the dire challenge of a "double burden of malnutrition," where undernutrition and obesity exist side by side. Astonishingly, we have around 15 million obese children and 45 million children who suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition. The dominance of unhealthy food choices, largely consisting of ultra-processed foods, lies at the core of this crisis.

The prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension has emerged as a critical public health issue. The early onset of these diseases poses a significant threat to our beloved citizens and future generations alike.

I would like to commend the efforts of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in proposing the "Indian Nutrition Rating" (INR) system, aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices. However, I propose that we take a step further by implementing a transparent warning label system for "nutrients of concern." This approach will serve as a deterrent to the consumption of harmful foods and, in turn, contribute to reducing healthcare costs.

It is my earnest plea that a mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) regulation is instituted for all packaged food products. These labels should be formulated based on a robust nutrient profile model, incorporating warning labels for products with elevated fat, sugar, or salt content.

By championing a healthier India, you will set a precedent for the global implementation of FOPL with warning labels. This initiative holds the potential to not only advance public health within our nation but also to bolster the reputation of India-made processed food products on the global stage.

I express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable guidance and steadfast leadership.

With the utmost respect,

Lenin Raghuvanshi Ayurvedacharya

Current Status: Case closed

Date of Action: 21/08/2023

Remarks: We wish to inform you that the feedback received on the draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulation, 2022, specifically related to HFSS and Front of Pack Nutritional Labelling (FOPNL), is currently under review by an Expert Committee. Appropriate actions will be undertaken in due course.

Officer Concerns:

Officer Name: Shri Ankeshwar Mishra (Joint Director GA)

Organization Name: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Contact Address: FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi, India

Email Address: mishra.ankeshwar@fssai.gov.in

Contact Number: 011-23237442

https://www.scribd.com/document/666286609/Urgent-Call-for-Implementing-Transparent-Food-Labeling-to-Combat-Obesity-and-Promote-Public-Health

https://www.scribd.com/document/666286842/Grievance-Status



Grievance Status by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Urgent Call for Implementing Transparent Food Labeling to Combat Obesity and Promote Public Health by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

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