Dear Friend,
It is only with concern that we can note that our society is not giving public health the required attention. The instrument of the society that is best placed to respond with sagacity in this regard is the Government. However, given the realities of popular politics, it would require more of us to express our concern to convince the Government into early action in the interest of public health without being wavered by the commercial considerations of a few in the food industry.
The burden of diabetes is increasing. What is worse, the risk factors are available in families who do not have the wherewithal to fight the disease. The number of people who are affected by Non-Communicable Diseases like Cardiovascular Diseases, Chronic Kidney Diseases, and cancer is on the rise. This is primarily due to the packaged food industry, which is pedaling Ultra Processed Foods high in Sugar, Salt, and Saturated Fat.
There is a recommendation from the WHO that packaged foods should be mandated to carry a warning label on the front of the package so that individuals and families can make an informed choice regarding choosing to consume such products. This would also mean that there would be some restrictions on the advertisements that can be aired during prime time and on channels that are exclusively catering to children.
This Front of Package Labelling (FOPL) is something that you are still waiting to see in India as the industry is resisting the same for considerations that are commercial. It is upon us now to be alive to this challenge and raise our voice regarding FOPL so that Government, through its FSSAI, makes the regulations and gives a chance to public health.
It is proposed that we form a collective to this end. Like-minded organizations and individuals could join forces to get this regulation in place. We could together chalk out action plans on what could be done to get this regulation from the Authority (FSSAI).
Your input in this regard will be most helpful. Please let us know if you would be able to associate with this effort. We could create a world in which we need not lose our near and dear ones early to a preventable non-communicable disease or disability. We count on you.
Warm regards,
Team 3S
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