Relevance: GS2 – Health; GS3 – Food Security | 

Source: Indian Express

Health experts warn that rising ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in India is driving obesity, Type-2 diabetes and metabolic diseases. Retail sales of UPFs have increased rapidly over the last decade.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Foods produced through industrial processing, containing additives such as emulsifiers, preservatives, colourants and flavour enhancers.
Examples: packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, processed meats.

They are high in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats and low in fibre and micronutrients.

• Strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver and cardiovascular risk.
  
• Cause overeating because of hyper-palatability.
  
• Replace traditional diets, especially among children.
  
• India’s obesity rates have doubled; childhood obesity rising (ICMR–INDIAB 2023).

Way Ahead

• Front-of-pack warning labels, regulate marketing to children.
  
• Strengthen FSSAI standards for sugar, salt, trans-fats.
  
• Promote traditional, minimally processed diets through public programmes.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements about Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs):

1. UPFs are classified under the NOVA food classification system.
   
2. UPFs typically contain multiple industrial additives and are energy-dense.
   

Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)