The Indian Council of Medical Research has indicated that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with higher risk of adverse health outcomes, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav has stated in the Lok Sabha.

Replying to an unstarred question by Congress MP from Puducherry V. Vaithilingam on Union government’s position on the recent study showing the impact of higher consumption of UPFs on health, the Union Minister said that based on available global scientific evidence, the ICMR has given an indication on the adverse health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders.

These conditions are “multifactorial in origin” and high consumption of UPFs was considered “one of the several modifiable risk factors.” The ICMR has further informed that it has undertaken several initiatives to create awareness on the health risks associated with excessive intake of ultra-processed foods. 

The Dietary Guidelines for Indian, 2024, recommended limiting free sugar intake, avoiding frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and minimising intake of UPFs. The guidelines also include dedicated guidance on identifying ultra-processed foods and reading food labels to enable informed consumer choices, the Minister said.