“Excessive sugar and salt are silent architects of our nation’s health crisis, constructing a future burdened by preventable diseases.”
India is standing at a crucial juncture in its fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The nation faces an alarming rise in lifestyle-related ailments, with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension becoming increasingly common. These conditions, often exacerbated by excessive sugar and salt consumption, are not merely health challenges but also substantial economic burdens.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs account for 63% of all deaths in India, with dietary risks playing a significant role. This calls for urgent regulatory action to curb the excessive consumption of these dietary villains.
Learning from Singapore
Singapore’s approach provides a blueprint for India. In 2020, the city-state introduced stringent measures to combat sugar-laden beverages, mandating “Nutri-Grade” labeling and banning advertisements for high-sugar drinks. This policy aims to reduce the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient products, nudging consumers towards healthier choices. Early evidence suggests that such interventions can significantly influence public behavior, prompting manufacturers to reformulate products to meet healthier standards.
India, too, must consider similar regulations tailored to its unique challenges. The Indian market is flooded with ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages, with children and adolescents being the primary targets of aggressive advertising campaigns.
According to a 2023 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the average Indian consumes approximately 19 grams of added sugar per day, well above the WHO’s recommended limit of 10% of total caloric intake. Salt consumption paints a graver picture, with Indians consuming an average of 10.98 grams daily, more than double the WHO’s recommended intake of 5 grams.
Economic and Health Costs
The health implications of excessive sugar and salt are profound. A 2022 Lancet study estimated that high sodium intake contributes to over 1.6 million deaths annually in India. Similarly, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, with the International Diabetes Federation projecting 134 million cases in India by 2045 if current trends persist. These conditions impose a staggering economic burden. The World Economic Forum estimates that India could lose $4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to NCDs, underscoring the need for immediate action.
The Case for Regulation
Voluntary industry initiatives have proven insufficient in India, necessitating stronger regulatory frameworks. Policies restricting the advertisement and sales of high-sugar and high-salt products, especially to vulnerable groups like children, can yield significant health benefits.
A multi-pronged approach, including mandatory front-of-pack labeling, advertising restrictions, and taxation on unhealthy products, can effectively address the issue.
Brazil’s success with front-of-pack warning labels and Mexico’s implementation of a sugar tax offer compelling evidence of the efficacy of such measures. Post-implementation, Brazil witnessed a 14% decline in the sales of high-calorie products, while Mexico reported a 7.6% reduction in sugary drink consumption in the first year of its sugar tax.
The Way Forward
For India, the first step is to draft a comprehensive policy framework inspired by global best practices but adapted to local contexts. Public awareness campaigns, akin to those for tobacco control, can play a crucial role in changing consumption patterns. Simultaneously, incentivising manufacturers to innovate healthier alternatives through subsidies or tax breaks can drive industry-wide change.
Legislation targeting excessive sugar and salt must also be backed by robust enforcement mechanisms. Collaborating with state governments, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations can ensure widespread compliance and public acceptance.
Conclusion
India’s battle against excessive sugar and salt consumption is not just a health imperative but a socio-economic necessity. Learning from Singapore and other countries, India must act decisively to protect its population from the dual threats of sugar and salt.
Enacting stringent laws, coupled with public education and industry engagement, can pave the way for a healthier future. After all, a nation’s strength lies in the health of its people, and the time to act is now.
Dr Fauzia Khan, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
