On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, delivered the keynote address at a special programme themed “Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy” at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, today. Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the programme focused on the critical role of food safety and nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases such as obesity, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to promote preventive health through traditional and wholesome dietary practices.
In his keynote address, Nadda reiterated the Prime Minister’s emphasis on preventing obesity and prioritizing wellness. Emphasizing the urgent need to address the rising burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases, Nadda stated that “the awareness initiative to stop obesity is a timely step towards educating people about the health risks of poor dietary habits and encouraging them to embrace balanced, nutritious food” and underlined that “for a Viksit Bharat, a healthy India is necessary and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits and healthy lifestyle.”
Nadda also commended the innovative behavioural change strategy i.e., the widespread promotion of Sugar and Oil Boards across schools, workplaces and public institutions, developed by FSSAI under the aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that serve as powerful visual advocacy tools, displaying clear, relatable information about hidden sugars and fats in everyday food items. By embedding these messages in common spaces- canteens, corridors, meeting rooms, they subtly nudge individuals to make healthier choices. He also suggested that to make the initiative more effective, calories intake should also be highlighted along with sugar and urged for incorporating awareness in the curriculum.
Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development Department, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Sharanprakash R Patil, Members of Parliament, Lahar Singh Siroya and P C Mohan, Union Health Secretary, Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava and senior officers of the Government of India also attended the event.
Recognizing the alarming trend of rising obesity, citing the ICMR–India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, Nadda stated that “from 2008 to 2020, obesity in urban, India has increased by 39.6%, while it has increased 23.1% in rural areas.” He also cited another study that projects that by 2050, 1/3 population of the country will be obese.
Underlining the challenge of unhealthy foods and dietary habits, especially in urban areas, Nadda stressed that children are the most vulnerable group when it comes to adulterated foods as they are attracted towards unhealthy foods and their advertisements. To meet this challenge, he called for ensuring awareness at a young age that will bring forth better impact.
Highlighting the negative impact of ultra processed foods on health, Nadda urged all to be careful of their food habits and adhere to nutritious food that brings healthy changes to one’s mind and body. He further added that “eating right is a right that one must exercise. Eating right and ensuring awareness about it, is a collective responsibility of the government, industry, academia and individuals.”
Nadda urged all stakeholders to respond to the Prime Minister’s clarion call and reduce oil consumption by 10% and reduce salt intake that can be ensured through awareness towards right food habits.
