Context:
In June 2023, a study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Union Health Ministry unveiled that 11.4% of India’s population, equating to 10.13 crore individuals, is grappling with diabetes. Additionally, 15.3% of the population, or an extra 13.6 crore people, are identified as pre-diabetic. The study also highlighted that 28.6% of the populace falls under the category of obesity according to the BMI measure.
Relevance:
GS2- Health
Mains Question:
How is the present state of food industry in India responsible for rising cases of diabetes? What can be done to create a more responsible food industry ecosystem? (15 marks, 250 words).
Food industry and diabetes:
- The World Health Organization attributes a significant factor to the consumption of unhealthy ultra-processed foods and beverages, aggressively marketed to replace traditional diets.
- Such items include carbonated drinks, instant cereals, chips, fruit-flavored drinks, instant noodles, cookies, ice cream, bakery products, energy bars, sweetened yogurts, pizzas, processed meat products, and powdered infant formulas.
- Scientific evidence establishes a connection between diets high in ultra-processed foods, laden with sugar, fat, and salt, and the heightened risk of diabetes.
- A mere 10% increase in daily ultra-processed food consumption is associated with a 15% higher risk of type-2 diabetes among adults.
- Ultra-processed foods, due to their altered structure and the addition of cosmetic additives, colors, and flavors, contribute to overeating, weight gain, and an increased risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
- Obesity and diabetes, in turn, become key risk factors for heart disease and mortality.
- The sale of sugar-sweetened beverages has declined over the past two decades in high-income countries.
- To compensate, the food industry has shifted its focus to low- and middle-income countries, with India being a prominent market.
- Billions are spent on marketing ultra-processed foods and beverages, resulting in heightened consumption, especially among vulnerable populations.
- Marketing strategies target younger generations and the expanding middle class, making it challenging for individuals to opt for healthier food choices.
- Children, in particular, are exposed to marketing tactics involving cartoon characters, incentives, gifts, and celebrity endorsements, exacerbating the public health crisis, particularly the diabetes epidemic.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages are a significant source of added sugar, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the food industry opposes restrictions on marketing, offering partnerships and economic development arguments.
- Despite participating in programs like ‘Eat Right,’ the food industry’s influence hampers strong regulations, including front-of-package labeling suggested by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which is yet to be implemented.
Conclusion:
To shield the public from the manipulative strategies of the food industry, the government must establish a legal framework or even an ordinance aimed at reducing or halting the consumption of ultra-processed foods. This could involve defining ‘healthy food,’ implementing warning labels on unhealthy food, and placing restrictions on the promotion and marketing of unhealthy items. Governments in South Africa, Norway, and Mexico have recently taken similar actions, and the Indian government can demonstrate its commitment to regulating food labeling and marketing through such legislation. This proposed law, akin to the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods Act, has the potential to curb the growth of commercial unhealthy foods and beverages—an idea whose time has come.
