On Friday, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) proposed that the government implement rigorous policies, including raising taxes on unhealthy food products and launching impactful public health campaigns. GTRI also suggested establishing legal restrictions on the levels of trans fats, sugar, and salt in processed foods, along with enforcing stringent food labeling regulations that mandate transparent and easily understandable nutritional information. These measures aim to address the escalating consumption of detrimental processed foods in the country and empower consumers to make informed choices about their dietary habits.
“In light of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report, GTRI recommends stringent policy measures, including taxation on unhealthy foods and robust public health campaigns, to curb India’s rising consumption of harmful processed foods,” it said.
The study, which analyzed 154 countries, revealed that agricultural food systems globally incur hidden costs amounting to a minimum of USD 10 trillion each year.
In the case of India, this results in an annual sum of USD 450 billion, driven by environmental harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions, improper use of land and water resources, as well as health issues stemming from air pollution and diet-related diseases, according to the report.
The report noted that the proportion of ultra-processed foods, fats, and sugars is escalating at a concerning rate within India’s USD 325-billion food processing sector.
“The country’s battle with unhealthy diets, predominantly rich in ultra-processed foods, fats, and sugars, is a key contributor to these hidden costs,” GTRI Co-Founder Ajay Srivastava said.
According to him, the report emphasizes that these dietary patterns result in obesity and non-communicable diseases, leading to significant losses in productivity.
Given that India’s concealed expenses arising from unhealthy diets are calculated at 7.2 percent of GDP, the imperative for a dietary revolution is now more pressing than ever.
It recommended “enforcing increased taxes on ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-fat snacks to deter consumption. This approach could resemble the sugar tax implemented in certain nations.
“Import duties may be raised to the highest allowed level to cut unhealthy imports,” Srivastava said, adding there should be restrictions on the advertising of unhealthy foods, especially during children’s television programming and on platforms predominantly used by younger audiences.
He further stated that the government encounters a significant challenge: to harmonize the dimensions of agri-food systems by incorporating environmental stewardship, health awareness, and social equity into its policy framework.
“The FAO’s findings serve as a wake-up call for India to safeguard its future against the tide of environmental degradation and the burgeoning health crisis linked to dietary choices,” he said.
