Eco Survey Proposes 6 AM-11 PM Ad Ban on Ultra-Processed Foods to Combat Obesity
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News18•29-01-2026, 14:45
Eco Survey Proposes 6 AM-11 PM Ad Ban on Ultra-Processed Foods to Combat Obesity
- •The Economic Survey recommends banning advertisements for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from 6 AM to 11 PM across all media due to rising consumption and obesity concerns.
- •India is one of the fastest-growing markets for UPFs, with sales increasing over 150% between 2009 and 2023, and a 40-fold rise in retail sales from 2006 to 2019.
- •The survey highlights a significant increase in childhood obesity, with prevalence among children under five rising from 2.1% (2015-16) to 3.4% (2019-21).
- •It also suggests restricting marketing of infant and toddler milk/beverages and implementing front-of-pack nutrition labeling with warnings for high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods.
- •The report points out regulatory ambiguities in current advertisement codes, allowing UPF companies to make vague health claims without clear nutrient-based criteria.
Why It Matters: Economic Survey advocates for strict ad bans and labeling for ultra-processed foods to tackle India's rising obesity crisis.
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