About the news
- Consuming ultra-processed foods (UPF) is linked to a higher risk of early death.
- The risk is notably higher with ready-to-eat meats, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, and processed breakfast foods.
- The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) score, developed by Harvard School of Public Health, was used to evaluate dietary quality.
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)
About:
- UPFs are extensively processed foods with significant amounts of additives such as preservatives, artificial flavours, and emulsifiers.
- They are typically high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) and low in vitamins, protein, and fibre.
- Increased consumption can lead to hypertension, renal failure, obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.
| · The UPF sector in India grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 13.4% between 2011 and 2021, with further growth expected (WHO). |
Challenges in Curbing UPF Consumption in India:
- Shifts in lifestyle and dietary patterns contribute to increased UPF consumption.
- There is an absence of a clear definition and coverage of HFSS foods.
- Insufficient comprehensive regulations on advertising and marketing of UPFs.
| Indian Initiatives to Curb UPF Consumption
· Revised Dietary Guidelines (2024) issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research. · Eat Right India Campaign was launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure safe and wholesome food. · FSSAI limits trans fatty acids in food products to 2% by mass of total oils and fats. · Aerated beverages are taxed at 28% GST plus an additional 12% compensation cess. · High-fat sugar salt (HFSS) foods are taxed at a 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate. · Kerala introduced a ‘fat tax’ in 2016
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