Revant Himatsingka, a social media influencer better known as “Food Pharmer,” hailed a “big win” for India following PepsiCo‘s decision to reduce the use of palm oil in its chips.
Palm oil is widely used in various food products such as chips, biscuits, and others, often raising concerns about its potential detrimental impact on heart health when consumed excessively.
“Big win! Lay’s India is set to reduce its reliance on palm oil! Just recently, I posted a video showcasing the stark difference in palm oil usage between Lay’s India and Lay’s USA. Following considerable public pressure, Lay’s India has pledged to begin the transition away from palm oil,” as revealed by Himatsingka in a post on social media platform X.
Nevertheless, a spokesperson from PepsiCo India revealed that trials for their products using new oil blends had commenced as early as 2023. They stated, “PepsiCo India launched trials incorporating a blend of Sunflower Oil and Palmolein Oil across select segments of our product range last year, positioning us as pioneers in this initiative within the Indian food industry.”
Himatsingka asserted that local snack manufacturers like Bingo and Haldiram would now face increased pressure to either reduce or substitute palm oil in their products.
Earlier, Snackfax reported that the American snacks and beverages company had initiated trials aimed at substituting the “less desirable oils” in Lay’s with a more health-conscious blend of sunflower oil and palm olein. Additionally, the report highlighted the company’s efforts to decrease the salt content in its products. With mounting criticism in the country regarding the utilization of oils deemed detrimental to health, the company is actively addressing these concerns.
Continue Exploring: PepsiCo India trials healthier oil blend for Lay’s chips, aims to reduce palm oil usage
Additionally, the report noted that the snacks and beverage manufacturer utilizes healthier oil alternatives such as sunflower, corn, and canola oil for Lay’s in the US, its largest market.
According to PepsiCo’s website, in the US, they use “heart-healthy” oils like sunflower, corn, and canola oil for Lay’s products.
FMCG companies in India are under increased scrutiny due to their use of unhealthy ingredients.
In April, Nestle India came under fire for the excessive levels of sugar found in certain products, including baby food Cerelac. A report by the Switzerland-based advocacy organization Public Eye alleged that Nestle had included sucrose or honey in samples of infant and baby foods.
Continue Exploring: Nestle faces regulatory heat as FSSAI launches probe into Cerelac sugar controversy
Subsequently, the company announced a 30 percent reduction in sugar levels and revealed plans to launch a new range of options with lower sugar content soon.
Indian companies are also under scrutiny. The US Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation into MDH and Everest after some of their products were recalled in international markets due to concerns regarding elevated levels of cancer-causing pesticides.
Continue Exploring: Centre directs statewide spice quality testing post MDH and Everest controversy