The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has officially dismissed viral media reports that claimed Indian snacks like samosa, jalebi, and laddoo would soon carry health warning labels. Calling the reports “misleading, incorrect, and baseless,” the Ministry clarified that it has issued no directive targeting Indian snacks or the country’s beloved street food culture.
Instead, the Ministry’s real advisory is focused on promoting healthy dietary habits in workplaces, as part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The initiative encourages the display of oil and sugar awareness boards in canteens, lobbies, and cafeterias to nudge employees toward better eating habits and physical activity—not to label or ban food items.
“These boards are meant to raise awareness on hidden fats and sugar. There is no instruction whatsoever to place warning labels on any specific food product,” the advisory clearly states.
The Street Food Industry Feels the Heat from Fake News
Raju Shimne, popularly known as “Jilebiwala from Shivne” in Pune, voiced his frustration at how the misinformation has hurt local businesses:
“Humara dhanda to almost aadha gir gaya is jhooti khabar ke baad. Log samajhne lage ki jilebi ya samosa khana health ke liye dangerous hai jaise cigarette ho. Yeh sirf taste ka nahi, hamari rozi-roti ka bhi sawaal hai,” said Raju.
(Translation: Our business dropped by half after this fake news. People started thinking jalebi or samosa are as dangerous as cigarettes. This isn’t just about taste—it’s our livelihood.)
He urged the public to verify such health-related claims and not fall prey to social media panic.
✅ What the Health Ministry’s Advisory Says
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Advises display of oil and sugar awareness boards in offices, not on food packets.
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Encourages daily reminders in the workplace to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.
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Promotes general fitness, such as taking stairs, organizing walk breaks, and eating fruits and vegetables.
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Does NOT mention or target any particular food like samosa, jalebi, laddoo, etc.
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No directives have been issued to street food vendors.
As India continues to address the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases like obesity and diabetes, behavioral nudges—not bans or warnings—are the Ministry’s chosen strategy.
📢 So, enjoy your samosa and jalebi guilt-free—but in moderation. And next time you hear a shocking food headline, check the facts before skipping the snack.
