Nutrient contents on the packets of fast food soon: Ramadoss
Govt would soon make it mandatory for cos manufacturing fast food to display their nutrient contents on the packets.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: Likening the ill-effects of junk food to that of alcohol and tobacco, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday said the government would soon make it mandatory for companies manufacturing fast food to display their nutrient contents on the packets.
"Within the next two to three months, it would be mandatory for all fast food manufacturers to display the nutrient contents of the food items on the packets," Ramadoss told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The minister also appealed to celebrities not to endorse junk food on television.
Identifying alcohol, tobacco and junk food as the causes for a majority of lifestyle diseases, he said though the government can enact legislation to control the use of the first two, it was not possible to regulate consumption of junk food.
Ramadoss said the government would also launch a national alcohol programme on the lines of the national tobacco control programme.
"More and more young people are getting into alcoholism. We need to address the issue right now," he said.
However, he said, the government has no plans to direct the states to begin prohibition.
"Within the next two to three months, it would be mandatory for all fast food manufacturers to display the nutrient contents of the food items on the packets," Ramadoss told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The minister also appealed to celebrities not to endorse junk food on television.
Identifying alcohol, tobacco and junk food as the causes for a majority of lifestyle diseases, he said though the government can enact legislation to control the use of the first two, it was not possible to regulate consumption of junk food.
Ramadoss said the government would also launch a national alcohol programme on the lines of the national tobacco control programme.
"More and more young people are getting into alcoholism. We need to address the issue right now," he said.
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However, he said, the government has no plans to direct the states to begin prohibition.
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