The Indian Food and Beverage Association has called for a responsible and science-based discussion on food ingredients, including palm oil and other vegetable fats used in food products. The statement comes amid renewed public debate over the use of edible vegetable oils in processed foods, particularly frozen desserts.
IFBA said that all edible oils and fats, including palm oil, are safe for use in food products when they meet prescribed food safety standards and are used within the regulatory framework. The association emphasised that public discussion should be guided by science, food labelling norms and dietary balance, rather than misinformation or selective claims.
The statement comes at a time when India’s packaged food market is expanding rapidly. The market was valued at USD 129.18 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 238.83 billion by 2034. The growth is being driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanisation, modern retail, quick commerce and demand for convenience-led foods.
The frozen dessert market is also witnessing strong growth. According to IMARC Group, the Indian frozen dessert market was valued at ₹333.71 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach ₹634.05 billion by 2034. This growth has brought greater public attention to product categories, ingredient choices and labelling.
IFBA noted that consumers should be encouraged to understand product labels and distinguish between different food categories such as ice cream, frozen desserts, milk fat spreads, vegetable fat spreads and non-dairy creamers. The association said that ingredient safety should be assessed within the framework of approved standards and balanced diets.
Deepak Jolly, Chairperson of IFBA, said India’s nutrition conversation should focus on balanced diets, portion control, moderation, active lifestyles and reading food labels. Referring to the ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, he said the guidelines highlight the importance of dietary diversity, including oilseeds, nuts, millets, legumes, leafy vegetables, marine fish, seafood and eggs to meet requirements of fats, essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
Former FSSAI Director Asim Choudhary said India’s food safety regulations recognise both dairy fat-based foods and vegetable fat-based products as separate categories with prescribed standards. He said consumers should make informed choices based on product category and labelling.
The IFBA statement underlines the need for a more informed conversation around food ingredients at a time when India’s packaged food and frozen dessert sectors are becoming larger, more diverse and more closely scrutinised by consumers.