Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan, on 26th Feb 2026, raised concerns over what he described as a growing “false narrative” against processed foods being amplified by social media influencers, warning that such messaging could hamper the growth of India’s food processing sector.
Speaking at the inaugural session of ANVESH-2026, a three-day international conference organised by National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management – Kundli (NIFTEM-K), Paswan said the perception that “processed food means not good” is being actively promoted online, both in India and globally.
“We are facing this challenge not only in our country, but also worldwide — the kind of false narrative being built through influencers about processed food. ‘Processed food means not good’ — such a narrative is being set. I don’t know the intention behind it, but it is being done,” he said.
The minister cautioned that the trend is already impacting the sector and could intensify if not addressed collectively. “This is affecting the industry and it will increase further. We need to counter this narrative,” he added.
Processed Food Integral to Modern Lifestyles
Highlighting structural shifts in Indian households, Paswan said ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products have become integral to modern lifestyles, particularly with the rise of nuclear families and working couples.
“Earlier, we used to prepare chutneys and sauces at home. Today, we need them readily prepared. If a false narrative takes root, we will not see the kind of growth we envision for the sector,” he said, underlining the role of food processing in convenience, value addition, and reducing wastage.
Committee on Misleading Advertisements
Paswan revealed that the MoFPI has constituted a committee to examine misleading advertisements, with its second meeting recently focusing on ways to address questionable messaging around food products.
He urged industry leaders to take proactive responsibility in shaping public perception. Suggesting a collaborative strategy, he said if every industry leader were to engage “one or two influencers,” the narrative could be corrected at scale.
“If we start a national campaign on this, we can deal with this challenge,” he said, calling for coordinated action between the government, industry stakeholders and communication platforms.
Trade and Policy Assurance
On trade-related concerns, Paswan said India currently has free trade agreements with over 127 countries and dismissed apprehensions that concessions were being made at the cost of domestic stakeholders.
“All agreements are being signed on our terms and conditions, with farmers’ interests protected,” he asserted.
Reiterating his ministry’s openness to industry dialogue, Paswan described himself as a “bridge” between policymakers and businesses. “The government’s job is to frame policies, and we are ready to do whatever is required. Come to me with your challenges and bottlenecks — I will clear them out,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Food Processing Industries Secretary Avinash Joshi, World Food Prize 2021 laureate Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, former AICTE chairman T.G. Sitharam, and NIFTEM-K Director Harinder Singh Oberoi.