Apr 3, 2012
India Attacks US Fast-Food Brands in New Study
On top of more bad press this week, fast-food and junk food brands are taking new heat, this time from healthy eating avocates in India.
A new report from Indian NGO, the Centre for Science and Environment, claims in its newest study that U.S. brands of fast food mislead the public by not printing the "real information" on ingredient and nutrition labels. After testing 16 brands of popular foods, the group claimed that Indian-packaged foods are missing key ingredients found on U.S. food labels. Among the brands tested: Maggi and Top Ramen noodles, McDonald's, KFC, and Haldiram's Aloo Bhujia.
While the report found fault with the brands' nutritional value — i.e., one packet of ramen contained nearly 60 percent of the recommended daily intake for sodium — the study's biggest claims were the mislabeling. While Top Ramen and Haldiram's Aloo Bhujia claim zero trans fats on the label, the CSE study found 0.7 grams and 2.5 grams of of trans fats per 100 grams.
Now, as the latest survey says nearly one in eight Indians are obese, the CSE is recommending governmental action to reduce the "junk" in junk food — salt, trans fats, and sugars — and force companies to provide nutritional information. However, said deputy program manager at the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) Savvy Soumya Mishra to the Times of India, a governmental slap on the wrist may not be enough to change Indians' dietary habits and recommended a ban in schools.
The accused offenders, Pepsi, KFC, Nestlé and McDonald's, have denied they are misleading the public with labels, Forbes reported.
A new report from Indian NGO, the Centre for Science and Environment, claims in its newest study that U.S. brands of fast food mislead the public by not printing the "real information" on ingredient and nutrition labels. After testing 16 brands of popular foods, the group claimed that Indian-packaged foods are missing key ingredients found on U.S. food labels. Among the brands tested: Maggi and Top Ramen noodles, McDonald's, KFC, and Haldiram's Aloo Bhujia.
While the report found fault with the brands' nutritional value — i.e., one packet of ramen contained nearly 60 percent of the recommended daily intake for sodium — the study's biggest claims were the mislabeling. While Top Ramen and Haldiram's Aloo Bhujia claim zero trans fats on the label, the CSE study found 0.7 grams and 2.5 grams of of trans fats per 100 grams.
Now, as the latest survey says nearly one in eight Indians are obese, the CSE is recommending governmental action to reduce the "junk" in junk food — salt, trans fats, and sugars — and force companies to provide nutritional information. However, said deputy program manager at the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) Savvy Soumya Mishra to the Times of India, a governmental slap on the wrist may not be enough to change Indians' dietary habits and recommended a ban in schools.
The accused offenders, Pepsi, KFC, Nestlé and McDonald's, have denied they are misleading the public with labels, Forbes reported.
MP becomes 1st state to ban Gutka products containing tobacco
New Delhi, Apr 2 (PTI) With increasing number of mouth cancer cases in the country, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to ban all Gutka products which contain tobacco or nicotine under a new law governing food safety standards. The Madhya Pradesh Food Secretary has issued instructions to all District Collectors and Food Safety officials to ensure that the sale and manufacture of all Ghutka products in their areas is not allowed and all such material containing tobacco and nicotine be confiscated. The ban came into effect from April 1.
The State Food Secretary has also called for initiating action under the rules against all those indulging in sale and manufacture of Gutka products containing Tobacco and Nicotine. Madhya Pradesh is the first state to ban Gutka under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition & Restrictions on sales) Regulation 2011 notified by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Goa was the first state to ban Gutka under Public Health Act earlier. The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notification effective August 5, 2011, called as Food Safety & Standards (Prohibition & Restrictions on sales) Regulation 2011, wherein Rules 2.3.4 states that no food article shall contain tobacco or nicotine in the products.
Under the Food Security and Standard Assessment Act, the food and drug administration can impose a penalty of Rs 25,000 on any person found selling Gutka. India has the highest prevalence of oral cancer globally, with 75,000 to 80,000 new cases of a year. Gutka sold in small pouches across the country has become a very serious health hazard and its easy availability and low prices make it popular among youth and women. Its flavoured taste, easy availability and low price as well as the attractive marketing ploy by companies also attracts children.
The State Food Secretary has also called for initiating action under the rules against all those indulging in sale and manufacture of Gutka products containing Tobacco and Nicotine. Madhya Pradesh is the first state to ban Gutka under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition & Restrictions on sales) Regulation 2011 notified by the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Goa was the first state to ban Gutka under Public Health Act earlier. The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notification effective August 5, 2011, called as Food Safety & Standards (Prohibition & Restrictions on sales) Regulation 2011, wherein Rules 2.3.4 states that no food article shall contain tobacco or nicotine in the products.
Under the Food Security and Standard Assessment Act, the food and drug administration can impose a penalty of Rs 25,000 on any person found selling Gutka. India has the highest prevalence of oral cancer globally, with 75,000 to 80,000 new cases of a year. Gutka sold in small pouches across the country has become a very serious health hazard and its easy availability and low prices make it popular among youth and women. Its flavoured taste, easy availability and low price as well as the attractive marketing ploy by companies also attracts children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)