The Ministry of Health’s recent directive to install sugar and oil boards in government offices and schools has been hailed as a significant public health intervention.
Experts believe this initiative will play a pivotal role in promoting healthier eating habits and tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across India.
The ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition took to the social media platform X to share the update, stating that the ministry has asked all government offices to prominently display ‘Sugar Boards’ as part of its vision for healthier workplaces.
These boards, featuring both digital and print formats, highlight the sugar and oil content in commonly consumed items such as samosas, kachoris, pakoras, banana chips, pizza, chocolate pastries, burgers, and fizzy drinks.
They also provide clear visuals of how excessive fat and sugar affect the human body, along with recommended daily intake levels.
Thanks to Hon’ble @PMOIndia @narendramodi ji’s push for healthier workplaces, @MoHFW_INDIA has urged all govt offices to prominently display Sugar Boards. Sharing model Sugar Boards to display in offices. Tag us in your stories/posts
Download: https://t.co/jNDDpe1TIX @ICMRDELHI pic.twitter.com/dAbATBF2ra— ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (@ICMRNIN) July 8, 2025
A step towards behavioural change
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), praised the move, calling it an ‘excellent step to create awareness about hidden fat and sugar in foods’.
She added that clearer food labelling and diversifying diets through school meals and the Public Distribution System (PDS) would further strengthen India’s nutrition agenda.
Supporting the initiative, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stated that the programme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision for a healthier nation.
They referred to it as an ‘innovative behavioural change strategy’ and said it would significantly support the Eat Right India campaign.
“These boards are vital in helping everyone make informed choices and stop obesity,” the FSSAI noted.
The WHO recommends limiting free sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy and ideally below 5%.
Experts say this initiative aligns well with those global standards and could be a vital step in reducing the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Earlier in May, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) instructed schools nationwide to implement sugar awareness boards on their campuses.
Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell at Kerala’s Indian Medical Association, said, “Excessive sugar and oil intake, along with low physical activity, are key drivers of obesity and related NCDs.”
He further added, “Educating children early on the risks of these substances, through proper labelling and visual tools, is essential. It helps them make informed choices before chronic conditions develop.”
As India faces a growing public health challenge, the Ministry’s proactive step could signal a turning point in shaping long-term dietary habits.
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