Consumption of ultra-processed food items among rural poor and marginalized households

 A SURVEY STUDY IN UTTAR PRADESH AND BIHAR



Navigating the Nutrition Paradox: Insights from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

Introduction India, with its vast and diverse population, presents a unique set of nutritional challenges. Notably, the country is experiencing a dual burden of malnutrition: undernutrition and a rising trend of obesity. A recent study conducted by the Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) in association with the People’s Initiative for Participatory Action on Food Labeling (PIPAL) sheds light on the worrying trend of ultra-processed food consumption in rural areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Spearheaded by Dr. Mohanlal Panda and Prof. Archana Kaushik from the Delhi School of Social Work, Delhi University, this study provides critical insights into how socio-economic factors influence dietary choices.

The Double Burden of Malnutrition India's nutritional landscape is marked by stark contrasts. On one side, over one-third of children under age five are stunted and underweight due to undernutrition. On the other, obesity among children is increasing, with significant growth recorded over the last five years. The common thread linking these issues is the growing availability of ultra-processed foods, which are high in sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates.

Study Objectives and Methodology The objective of this pivotal study was to identify the prevalence of ultra-processed food consumption and its economic implications on the most socially and economically marginalized families in rural regions. Conducted in the populous states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the research used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data from 330 families, focusing on their dietary habits and socio-economic status.

Survey Insights The findings reveal a concerning trend among rural households:

  • Approximately 90% of respondents earn less than Rs. 400 daily, with a majority living significantly far from urban centers.
  • A large portion of the population, including 40% from the Dalit community, remains illiterate or has minimal education, which impacts their dietary choices.
  • Economic constraints lead these families to spend a high percentage of their income on food, with a significant portion allocated to ultra-processed products.

Economic and Social Implications The study highlights that even the lowest income groups spend about 15% of their food budget on ultra-processed items, such as biscuits, chips, and sodas. This is driven by factors like increased urban influence, rising incomes, limited time for meal preparation, and aggressive marketing strategies by food companies.

Challenges and Opportunities This transition from traditional foods to packaged products in rural settings is not just a dietary change but a socio-economic indicator that affects health outcomes. The high consumption among less educated and economically weaker sections suggests a critical need for targeted nutritional education and intervention.

Conclusion The study conducted by PVCHR and PIPAL is a wake-up call for policymakers, health advocates, and community leaders. It emphasizes the need for more stringent regulations on food quality and advertising, especially in rural areas, to address the double burden of malnutrition effectively. As we move forward, it will be imperative to promote traditional dietary practices that are not only nutritious but also integral to the cultural fabric of rural India.

By understanding and addressing these complexities, we can hope to pave the way for a healthier future for all segments of the population, reducing the gap in nutritional inequality and fostering a more food-secure nation.


The fact sheet, based on a survey study conducted in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, was released by Members of Parliament, politicians, and civil society representatives regarding the consumption prevalence of ultra-processed food items among rural poor and marginalized households. 


Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi, Convenor of the Savitri Bai Phule Women Forum, highlighted that India's marginalized and economically weaker sections are consuming high quantities of ultra-processed and packaged foods. In a country grappling with one of the world's most severe double burdens of malnutrition, the poorest income quintiles have transitioned from facing hunger to relying on unhealthy, processed snacks. This shift underscores the escalating issue of sub-optimal nutrition, which is intensifying the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs) across India, posing significant risks to millions, particularly children, across all socio-economic strata. This finding has been reinforced by mainstream published studies and submissions to the NHRC, influencing the Patna Declaration where all political parties acknowledged the critical nature of this issue.

Here are the revised links to media coverage related to the studies:

  1. Rural Poor in UP, Bihar Consuming High Quantities of Ultra-Processed Food, Survey Reveals - Outlook India
  2. India's Poor and Vulnerable Battling Hunger Exposed to Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food - Asia News Network
  3. Study Highlights Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Marginalized Musahar Community in UP and Bihar - Junputh
  4. Consumption Prevalence of Ultra-Processed Food Among Rural Poor - Counterview

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