New Delhi, February 9
Former Union Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, Anurag Thakur, today raised a serious public health concern in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377 regarding the alarming levels of added sugars in baby foods and soft drinks available in the Indian market. He urged the Government to ensure strict monitoring of added sugars and to introduce wider, bolder, and more effective front-of-pack labelling regulations to safeguard consumer health, especially that of children.
Highlighting global health standards, Thakur pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting free sugars to below 10 percent of total energy intake for adults and children, ideally under 5 percent, and clearly advises against any added sugars in infant foods. However, studies indicate that some packaged baby foods in India contain nearly 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving, while several popular soft drinks contain approximately 10.6 grams of sugar per 100 ml. Such high sugar consumption, he noted, is directly linked to the rising incidence of childhood obesity, early-onset diabetes, dental problems, and other non-communicable diseases among India’s youth.
Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated warnings on the growing threat of obesity, Thakur referenced the PM’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 2025, where he described obesity as a “silent crisis” that could become a major challenge for the nation. PM Modi urged every family to reduce cooking oil consumption by 10 per cent, stating, “If every family decides to reduce the use of cooking oil by 10 per cent, it will benefit the health of the nation.” Thakur emphasized that this call aligns with efforts to curb unhealthy fats, which, alongside excessive sugars, contribute to obesity and related health issues. He further highlighted the PM’s emphasis in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episodes and other public addresses, where Modi stressed that “by making small changes in our food habits, we can make our future stronger, fitter and disease-free,” and nominated influencers to spread awareness on reducing edible oil intake to fight obesity.
Thakur also drew attention to Prime Minister Modi’s focus on malnutrition, noting the PM’s commitment to eradicating it through innovative use of technology and mass participation. In a 2023 address, PM Modi highlighted how targeted interventions are revolutionizing the fight against malnutrition, aiming to build a healthier India. He appreciated the Government’s proactive initiatives, such as the Fit India Movement, Poshan Abhiyaan (which promotes millets or ‘Shree Anna’ to address malnutrition), Eat Right India, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), Khelo India, and the efforts of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in revising nutrition and food safety standards, including regulations on trans fats and healthier diets in schools. These steps, driven by the PM’s vision, reflect the Government’s commitment to preventive healthcare, reducing undernutrition while preventing overweight and obesity through integrated programs. However, Shri Thakur stressed that the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages necessitates stronger regulatory interventions.
To further strengthen consumer protection, Thakur appealed for the introduction of clear, prominent, and easily understandable front-of-pack labelling systems, including pictorial warnings or star-based ratings that explicitly highlight high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Such labelling, he said, would empower consumers to make informed dietary choices, encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products with healthier ingredients, and discourage excessive consumption of high-sugar products. This aligns with PM Modi’s calls for reducing oil and fat intake as part of a broader dietary shift to combat obesity.
Thakur also noted that many countries have adopted bold front-of-pack labelling practices as part of global best standards, leading to improved public awareness and healthier consumption patterns. Aligning India’s regulatory framework with these international practices would not only enhance transparency but also reinforce India’s leadership in public health governance.
Concluding his submission, Thakur stated that decisive action on sugar monitoring and labelling is essential to protect children’s health, reduce long-term healthcare burdens, and advance the national vision of a fit, healthy, and productive India. He reaffirmed that safeguarding the nutritional well-being of future generations must remain a top priority for policymakers and regulators alike, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on collective action against obesity and malnutrition.
