Context:
A 30-year-long U.S. study found that consuming Ultra-processed food (UPF) is associated with a higher risk of early death.
Key Findings:
- The risk of early death is especially associated with products like ready-to-eat meats, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, and processed breakfast foods.
- Not all UPF should be universally restricted, but findings support limiting certain types for long-term health.
- According to the Global Burden of Diseases Study, consumption of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods stands as a major contributor to a global health crisis, fuelling issues such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
UPFs:
- Category of food products that have undergone extensive processing and contain significant amounts of additives (like preservatives, artificial flavours, emulsifiers).
- High in fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) and low in Vitamins, protein, and fibre.
- Impact – Increased consumptions may lead to health issues like hypertension, renal failure, obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Scenario in India:
- India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar and it has witnessed a concerning growth in ultra-processed foods.
- UPF food sector in India witnessed a compounded annual growth rate of 13.4% between 2011 and 2021 and is expected to grow further (WHO).
- About 50%-60% of edible sugar, salt and fat produced in India is consumed by the processed food industry.
- Sales of snacks and soft drinks have tripled over the past decade, exceeding $30 billion last year, indicating a disturbing trend in dietary habits.
- Important Initiatives –
- Revised (2024) dietary Guidelines by Indian Council of Medical Research.
- Eat Right India Campaign by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure safe and wholesome food.
- FSSAI limits trans fatty acids (TFA) in food products to 2% by mass of the total oils and fats.
- High-fat sugar Salt (HFSS) foods in India are taxed at a 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate.
- Kerala introduced a ‘fat tax’ in 2016.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Myanmar
(d) Vietnam
Answer: (b)
