With panic and confusion spreading on social media about the imposition of health warning labels on Indian foods such as samosas and jalebis, the Indian government has categorically refuted these claims.
Via a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that no directive is either proposed or implemented in this regard, calling the viral reports "completely fake and baseless."
The misinformation might have originally come from a barrage of viral WhatsApp forwards and social media posts alleging that the government was set to enforce tobacco-style health warnings on Indian foods high in fat and sugar.
Supposedly, screenshots of official-looking circulars and media headlines alike suggested that the likes of samosas, kachoris, jalebis, and gulab jamuns would soon carry labels warning that they are unhealthy and may lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart-related problems.
The posts gained popularity rapidly, and there was widespread outrage among people, who viewed them as an insult to India's culinary heritage. Several users felt that this may promote stigma against cultural food habits and eventually bring about unwarranted regulations against homemade and street-side snacks.
Issues were never allowed to fester under the guise of misinformation, as the Ministry of Health responded promptly, labeling the viral content "false, misleading, and not backed by any government notification or policy proposal."
In its official statement, the government stated that while it remains earnest about public health through awareness campaigns on balanced diets and healthy eating, it has not considered imposing graphic warnings on traditional Indian foods.
“There is no proposal under consideration that mandates health warning labels on Indian snacks or sweets like samosas or jalebis. We urge citizens not to fall prey to misinformation and to rely only on trusted government sources,” the statement said.
Leading fact-checking platforms, such as PIB Fact Check, also debunked the viral claim, thereby confirming the fabrication of these circulated messages. "No such order has been issued by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) or the Ministry of Health," PIB Fact Check said on social media.
FSSAI also stated that it is currently working towards nutrition labeling standards for packaged foods, but its major emphasis remains on providing transparent information to consumers and not on criticizing particular traditional foods.
Nutritionists and public health experts have corroborated the government's position, citing that public education about the risks of excessive consumption of sugary and fried items is relevant, but it is neither practical nor culturally sensitive to label traditional foods with graphic warnings.
Dr. Ritu Malhotra, a dietician from Delhi, further added, "Moderation is key. Focus should be on portion sizes, physical activity, and a balanced diet rather than vilifying Indian snacks."
The government's reaction came quickly, underscoring the importance of fact-checking before responding to news, especially in an era of rapid misinformation.
Seasonal items such as samosas and jalebis still hold significant cultural importance and remain beloved components of India's culinary identity, with no warnings issued along the lines of smoking.