In response to the escalating consumption of detrimental processed foods in India, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has called for the implementation of strict policy measures by the government. GTRI recommends heightened taxes on unhealthy food products and the initiation of comprehensive public health campaigns to empower consumers with informed choices regarding their dietary habits.
The GTRI proposes multifaceted strategies, including the establishment of legal limits on trans fats, sugar, and salt content in processed foods. Additionally, they advocate for stringent food labelling regulations to provide transparent and understandable nutritional information, aiding consumers in making healthier food choices.
Citing the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report, the GTRI emphasizes the need for immediate action to counter the burgeoning consumption of harmful processed foods in India. The report, which analyzed 154 countries, revealed that globally, agri-food systems contribute to hidden costs exceeding USD 10 trillion annually.
For India, this translates to a staggering USD 450 billion per year, driven by environmental damage, including greenhouse emissions, land and water misuse, and health implications arising from air pollution and diet-related diseases.
The GTRI report underscores the alarming pace at which the share of ultra-processed foods, fats, and sugars is increasing in India’s USD 325 billion food processing sector. Ajay Srivastava, Co-Founder of GTRI, identifies the country’s struggle with unhealthy diets as a major contributor to these hidden costs, leading to obesity and non-communicable diseases with substantial productivity losses.
With India’s hidden costs from unhealthy diets estimated at 7.2% of GDP, GTRI urges the government to swiftly implement measures such as higher taxes on ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat snacks to discourage consumption. This recommendation aligns with successful approaches, like the sugar tax implemented in some countries.
Importantly, GTRI suggests raising import duties to the maximum allowable level to reduce unhealthy imports. They also advocate for restrictions on the advertising of unhealthy foods, particularly during children’s television programming and on platforms predominantly used by younger audiences.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the government, Srivastava emphasizes the necessity to balance agri-food systems by integrating environmental stewardship, health consciousness, and social equity into the policy framework. The GTRI views the FAO’s findings as a wake-up call for India to protect its future against environmental degradation and the escalating health crisis linked to dietary choices.