Samosa With A Side of Guilt: Govt Canteens To Display Oil & Sugar Warnings In Fight Against Obesity

By News18

Your favourite samosa at the government canteen may soon come with a side of guilt — not just from the oil it’s dripping, but from a board telling you exactly how much of it is in there. Even that extra-sweet tea might carry a sugar warning.
From cafeterias to conference rooms, government workplaces across India are set to undergo a healthy transformation. In a fresh push to curb rising obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the union health ministry has directed all ministries, departments, and public institutions to display ‘Oil and Sugar Boards’ — informative posters or digital boards — making people aware of how much oil and sugar they are consuming.
The move means that canteens and common areas in government offices could soon feature messages about harmful food habits, and even menus may be nudged towards healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meals.
According to the letter written by health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, dated 21 June, India is witnessing a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children. The letter, which has been accessed by News18, highlighted National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data which shows “over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese and prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity.”
Citing strong evidence that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers, the secretary wrote: “It also affects mental health, mobility, and quality of life. This contributes to increased healthcare costs and productivity losses. Early prevention and health promotion are critical to reversing these trends.”
The letter, sent to all secretaries, ministries and departments said, “We are proposing the display of sugar and oil boards as an initiative to promote healthier dietary choices in workplace settings.”
It described that “these boards serve as visual behavioural nudges in schools, offices, public institutions etc. displaying key information about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods.”
The campaign draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public health push. “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has given a clarion call to combat obesity through lifestyle changes.”
At the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on 28th January 2025, the PM had invoked the “Fit India campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of a Swasth Bharat.” Also, in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he called for a 10 per cent reduction of obesity in the country.
What will change in government workplaces?
The ministry’s directive to other departments includes several specific instructions aimed at making health messages a visible, constant part of daily routines.
“Install oil and sugar board displays – digital/ static posters etc – in common areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces to raise awareness on harmful consumption.”
Also, it advises to “Print health messages on all official stationery – letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, etc – and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity.”
Health ministry has also recommended departments to “promote healthy meals and physical activity in offices through nutritious, healthier food options – more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and by limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks – and the workplace initiatives such as encouraging use of stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes.”
Health secretary mentioned that “these visual cues and practical tips are part of a larger national sense of urgency to reduce the burden of NCDs…”
“…Your Ministry’s leadership in this regard can serve as an inspiration for the wider workforce and institutions across India,” Srivastava wrote while concluding the letter adding, “Together, let us lead the way in turning the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a healthy India into a mass movement, starting right from our workplaces.”

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