Cut sugar & salt

THE renewed spotlight on significantly high sugar, salt and fat content in food has sparked a debate about public health and transparency. Some major business houses — Cadbury, Nestlé and IndiGo — find themselves at the forefront of this discourse, facing scrutiny and accountability. This affords an opportunity for the stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to consumer wellbeing.

Nestlé’s responsive approach to reducing added sugars, sodium and saturated fats in its products and aligning with global dietary guidelines over the years reflects the market risk faced by a company failing to recognise the importance of providing healthy options. From revising sodium levels in Maggi Masala Noodles to cutting sucrose content in infant cereals, the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) giant has been trying to foster healthier lifestyles to remain on top of the business. However, the latest allegations about higher sugar content in its baby food in developing countries like India are worrisome and warrant an investigation. Adherence to regulations is crucial to rebuilding trust and nutritional integrity. Similarly, IndiGo’s response to concerns about the sodium levels in on-board meals emphasises the need for transparency.

Consumer awareness is pivotal in shaping food choices and driving industry practices. As people become more informed about the health implications of their dietary decisions, companies face pressure to prioritise nutritious alternatives and provide accurate information about the ingredients. The food industry must reassess its practices and the food regulators strengthen their enforcement strategies. This need is particularly significant in India, where the burden of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular ailments, is rapidly escalating. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from consumers and the food industry to promote healthier eating habits. Initiatives such as the taxation of the addictive high-fat sugar salt foods offer a glimmer of hope.

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