New Delhi, 31 January (IANS). According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in India is giving rise to many chronic diseases and even mental health problems. Is.
The Economic Survey 2024-25 presented in Parliament on Friday by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed ‘Health Tax’ to reduce consumption.
The survey said, “Foods from sweet breakfast grains, soft drinks and energy drinks to fried chicken and packaged cookies have undoubtedly made their strong presence in everyday diet.”
The Nova Food Classification System defines UPF as prepared products to eat, known as an industrial formulation made from foods extracted from foods. To enhance the taste, these UPFs use additives such as preservatives, sweetness and emulsifiers.
The survey said, “Facilitation, excessive deliction, long shelf life and strong advertising and marketing strategies have created a favorable environment for UPF’s flourishing business in India.”
According to the data of WHO India, the price of retail sales in the UPF segment between 2011 and 2021 increased by CAGR of 13.7 percent.
The survey also indicates the research that shows how to change the dietary practices towards UPF objects, ranging from obesity, chronic inflammatory disorders, heart diseases and mental disorders to many adverse health results Have to face.
Due to low fiber content, UPF causes weight gain and obesity in adults and children, which causes many diseases.
The survey reported that marketing strategies with highly delicious and misleading advertisements and celebrity support for consumer behavior have promoted the UPF market in India. Often unhealthy packaged foods are advertised and marketed as healthy products.
The survey said, “UPF needs to deal with misleading nutritional claims and information and they should be brought under investigation.”
It also emphasizes the need to set standards for acceptable levels of salt and sugar and to ensure the investigation of UPF brands to follow rules.
The survey also proposed to impose tax on UPF to reduce consumption.
“High tax rates for UPF can also be considered as ‘health tax’ measures, which is specifically targeted on advertising brands/products.”
The survey also recommended to create awareness about the side effects of UPF and make healthy food options a part of the school course.
Also, it stressed the need to promote local and seasonal fruits and vegetables and facilitate positive subsidy for healthy foods like complete foods, millet, fruits and vegetables.
-IANS
AKS/CBT
