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| Union Health Minister J P Nadda delivering the keynote address at FSSAI’s World Food Safety Day 2025 event in Bengaluru. (Photo: PIB) |
YMAM Desk
June 7, 2025, New Delhi: On World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Health Minister J P Nadda led a landmark event at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, focusing on the urgent need to tackle obesity and promote healthy eating across India.
The event, organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), saw the launch of new initiatives, resources, and nationwide calls to action.
Here are the most important highlights:
1. Launch of the Inclusive ‘Stop Obesity’ Campaign
FSSAI unveiled a nationwide campaign under its Eat Right India programme.
The campaign features multilingual and sign language outreach.
It uses multiple platforms—FM radio, railway audio, digital media—to reach diverse audiences.
A special video featuring chef Ranveer Brar supports the campaign and urges reduced oil consumption.
2. Reaffirming Science-Backed Food Safety
Minister Nadda emphasized the 2025 theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action.”
He stressed the importance of using scientific evidence to promote safe, nutritious food and prevent non-communicable diseases like obesity.
3. Prime Minister’s Call: Cut Oil Consumption by 10%
The Minister echoed PM Modi’s call to reduce oil intake by 10% to curb obesity.
He also urged reducing salt and sugar, especially in children’s diets, and making these messages part of school curricula.
4. Alarming Rise in Obesity Rates
Citing ICMR data, Minister Nadda highlighted a 39.6% rise in urban and 23.1% in rural obesity rates from 2008 to 2020.
Projections warn that by 2050, one-third of India’s population could be obese.
5. Focus on Children and Traditional Foods
Children are especially vulnerable to unhealthy, processed foods and misleading advertisements.
The Minister called for early awareness and a revival of traditional foods like millets to promote lifelong healthy habits.
6. Innovative Behavioural Change Tools
FSSAI’s Sugar and Oil Boards in schools, offices, and public spaces display clear info on hidden sugars and fats.
These visual aids nudge people towards healthier choices and encourage calorie awareness.
7. Launch of ‘Eat Right Activity Book’ for Schools
A new activity book was released to educate children about food safety, hygiene, and nutrition.
The resource, part of the Eat Right School initiative, offers engaging activities for all school levels and aims to make students advocates for healthy eating.
Why This Matters
The event brought together policymakers, health experts, educators, and industry leaders to build a mass movement for better nutrition and public health in India. The message was clear: A healthy, developed India starts with what we put on our plates—and everyone has a role to play. (With AI Assistance)