India’s ultra-processed food sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.37% in retail sales value from 2011 to 2021, according to a report by the World Health Organization and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations. However, this upward trend raises concerns about the potential for an obesity epidemic similar to that experienced by some Western countries. Addressing this challenge requires effective policy interventions to mitigate the associated health risks.
Defining Ultra-Processed Food
Ultra-processed foods, characterized by long shelf lives and multiple ingredients including preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial additives, pose a significant risk factor for non communicable diseases. These foods have been associated with adverse health effects, particularly among the younger population.
Pandemic Impact and Rebound
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary disruption to the growth of India’s ultra-processed food sector, as the annual growth rate dropped from 12.65% in 2019 to 5.50% in 2020. However, the sector rebounded strongly in the subsequent year, with an observed growth of 11.29% during 2020-2021.
Key Categories of Ultra-Processed Foods
The report identifies five prominent categories of ultra-processed foods: chocolate and sugar confectionery, salty snacks, beverages, ready-made and convenient foods, and breakfast cereals. Among these, beverages accounted for the highest retail sales volume during the study period, followed by chocolate and sugar confectionery, and ready-made and convenience food.
Consumption Patterns
A notable shift in beverage consumption was observed during the pandemic. Consumers displayed a preference for fruit and vegetable juices, possibly driven by health consciousness and immunity-boosting efforts. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that some of these alternatives may still contain high levels of free sugars.
Concerns and Health Implications
Sweet biscuits, a popular snack among children due to their affordability and extended shelf life, accounted for over 43% of the chocolate and sugar confectionery market share in 2021. The report highlights the need for stricter advertising and marketing regulations, particularly for products targeted at children, to curb unhealthy snacking habits.
The retail sales of salty snacks experienced a substantial growth rate of 16.78% from 2011 to 2021. The authors emphasize the potential health risks associated with high salt content in these snacks, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Policy Recommendations for Nutritional Security
The report offers recommendations aimed at achieving nutritional security and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It suggests that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) should establish a clear definition of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods, with corresponding tax structures linked to these definitions. This tax model would incentivize healthier options and discourage the consumption of foods exceeding recommended fat, sugar, and salt levels.
Comprehensive National Nutrition Policy
The report underscores the inadequacy of existing policies like Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 in addressing the issues of overnutrition and diet-related diseases. It calls for the development of a comprehensive national nutrition policy that covers both undernutrition and overnutrition, specifying clear objectives, goals, and targets.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the growth of India’s ultra-processed food sector, and how did it recover from the setback?
- What are the key categories of ultra-processed foods identified in the report, and which category accounted for the highest retail sales volume?
- How do the recommended policy interventions, such as the HFSS tax model, aim to encourage healthier food choices and discourage the consumption of unhealthy ultra-processed foods?
