The government’s fact-checking agency, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, claimed that the Union health ministry did not suggest vendors put warning labels on relished Indian snacks and sweets such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo. “The Union Health Ministry’s advisory does not have any warning food product labels available from vendors, and has not discriminated against Indian snacks. Certain media outlets report that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health alert on food items including samosas, jalebi, and laddoo,” the PIB shared on X.
Some media reports claim that the @MoHFW_INDIA has issued a health warning on food products such as samosas, jalebi, and laddoo.#PIBFactCheck
This claim is #fake
The advisory of the Union Health Ministry does not carry any warning labels on food products sold by vendors,… pic.twitter.com/brZBGeAgzs
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 15, 2025
The PIB described in general advice the government’s action in urging a “behavioural nudge to bring in consciousness towards stealthy fats and added sugars in all food items, and not in response to any specific food item.
“The advisory is for healthier food choices and welfare measures in workplaces and encourages people to opt for healthier food to reduce added oil and sugar towards a healthy lifestyle and eating. It is critical of India’s vibrant street food culture,” PIB added.
The PIB clarification follows various reports stating that Cafeterias and public places will soon carry warnings for these foods, following a directive from the health ministry, with Nagpur being the first to implement this order.
The reports also alleged that the ministry directed all central institutes, including AIIMS Nagpur, to put up “oil and sugar boards”, graphic posters detailing how much concealed fat and sugar exist in common snacks. It’s a move towards isolating junk food like tobacco.
Even officials at AIIMS Nagpur acknowledged they received the circular and are about to introduce these boards everywhere in cafeterias and public areas.
The government mail also referred to staggering figures. More than 44.9 crore Indians may be overweight or obese by 2050, and India would be the second-largest obesity hub in the world. Already, in urban areas, one out of every five adults is overweight. The spread of childhood obesity, driven by unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, is contributing to the concern.
