JUNE 07: On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, delivered a powerful keynote address at a national event themed “Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy” held at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. The programme, organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Eat Right India initiative, marked the launch of a comprehensive, inclusive campaign to fight obesity across India.
Highlighting the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action”, Shri Nadda reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to preventive health, emphasizing the need for nutritious and safe food to build a healthier India. The campaign will feature multilingual messaging, Indian Sign Language accessibility, and cross-platform media engagement, aimed at reaching diverse communities across the country.
Citing findings from the ICMR-INDIAB study, Shri Nadda sounded the alarm on the growing obesity crisis: “Between 2008 and 2020, urban obesity has increased by 39.6% and rural obesity by 23.1%. If this trend continues, one-third of India’s population could be obese by 2050.” He also emphasized the health dangers posed by ultra-processed and adulterated foods, especially to children.
Calling “eating right” a fundamental right, Shri Nadda appealed for collective responsibility across sectors—government, industry, academia, and individuals—to promote better food choices. He echoed the Prime Minister’s clarion call to reduce oil consumption by 10% and salt intake through improved dietary awareness.
A major highlight was the release of the “Eat Right Activity Book – Your Guide to Eat Right at School,” a vital learning tool for children under the Eat Right School initiative. Shri Nadda also praised FSSAI’s innovative Sugar and Oil Boards, which are being deployed in public places to create behavioral nudges against hidden sugars and fats.
“For a Viksit Bharat, a healthy India is a prerequisite,” Shri Nadda declared, urging a return to India’s traditional food wisdom and lifestyle practices to counter modern diet-related diseases.
The event saw participation from senior dignitaries including Karnataka Health Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, MPs Shri Lahar Singh Siroya and Shri P.C. Mohan, and Union Health Secretary Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava.
