Dear Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I would like to extend my deepest congratulations on your exemplary leadership, which has led to substantial advancements in public health and the preservation of our rich culinary heritage. Your steadfast dedication throughout the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a true inspiration.

Allow me to share a deeply personal and impactful experience that has driven me to reach out to you. As my life partner and I both navigate demanding work schedules while tirelessly advocating for marginalized communities, our time to prepare homemade meals has become increasingly limited. This has led us to rely on packaged foods, a decision that I now recognize had detrimental effects on my immunity. It took contracting COVID-19 and a subsequent 12-day stay in the ICU during the second pandemic wave for me to realize the harmful repercussions of my dietary choices.

Emerging from this ordeal, I became acutely aware of the critical importance of health and the role that proper nutrition, particularly a high protein-rich diet, plays in bolstering our immune systems. I also gained a newfound understanding of the dangers posed by packaged foods, which are often high in fat, sugar, and salt. These ultra-processed foods not only contribute to obesity but also pave the way for a host of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Working closely with marginalized communities has heightened my sensitivity to the impact of packaged foods, motivating me to spearhead a campaign advocating for robust Front-of-Package Labeling (FOPL) in India. This initiative aims to combat the growing prevalence of NCDs, childhood obesity, and related health issues such as diabetes and hypertension.

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a profound challenge to child survival, health, and nutrition due to the economic upheaval it triggered. The vulnerability of marginalized children has been exacerbated by the consumption of inexpensive packaged foods high in salt and sugar, such as chips and cream biscuits. This period has ushered in a concerning convergence of malnutrition and susceptibility to non-communicable diseases among marginalized children, driven in part by the unregulated consumption of ultra-processed packaged foods.

Alarmingly, a significant proportion of India's children from various walks of life are consuming junk and ultra-processed foods, often laden with excessive amounts of salt, fat, and sugar—far beyond recommended levels. Implementing regulatory measures, such as nutrition thresholds that compel the food industry to reformulate their products in line with global scientific standards, will play a pivotal role in curbing the looming obesity and diabetes epidemic.

Research indicates that a substantial number of urban and rural households in India—53% and 56% respectively—consume salted and sweet packaged foods, such as chips and chocolates, at an alarming frequency. Moreover, nearly half of the children surveyed consume sugar-sweetened packaged beverages more than twice a week.

With this backdrop, I respectfully suggest that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) consider adopting a straightforward and transparent warning label system in its front-of-package labeling (FOPL) initiative. This approach, focusing on nutrients of concern—fat, sugar, and salt—will empower consumers to make informed and healthier choices. Moreover, implementing FOPL with warning labels can significantly reduce healthcare expenses and elevate overall public health, considering the diverse dietary practices across our nation.

Mandatory FOPL regulation for all packaged food products is paramount, considering the diverse culinary preferences across the country and the array of food manufacturers, both domestic and international. To ensure its effectiveness, a robust nutrient profile model, guided by the World Health Organization - South East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO), tailored to India's unique health and nutrition needs, is vital. Warning labels, rather than health star ratings, are recommended for their interpretative clarity and visual impact.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that your resolute support for a healthier India will pave the way for the implementation of a scientifically rigorous and globally acclaimed FOPL regulation with warning labels. Such a decisive step will not only position India as a global beacon in health and nutrition but also set an inspiring precedent for nations around the world.

Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable during these challenging times, and I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
Award-Winning Renowned Human Rights Activist and Physician

Sign and share this petition widely so that every Indian supports this cause.

#PacketKeAndarKyaHai