End the free rein of junk food advertising in India
The article highlights the unchecked advertising of High in Fat, Sugar, and Sodium (HFSS) foods and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) in India, despite government intentions to regulate it. It details how misleading marketing targets vulnerable populations, especially children, contributing to rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The author advocates for stronger legal frameworks and government intervention, citing constitutional duties, Supreme Court observations on the 'right to health' and front-of-pack labelling, and the ineffectiveness of self-regulation, to protect public health.
The article highlights the unchecked advertising of High in Fat, Sugar, and Sodium (HFSS) foods and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) in India, despite government intentions to regulate it. It details how misleading marketing targets vulnerable populations, especially children, contributing to rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The author advocates for stronger legal frameworks and government intervention, citing constitutional duties, Supreme Court observations on the 'right to health' and front-of-pack labelling, and the ineffectiveness of self-regulation, to protect public health.
Exam linkage
GS Paper 2: Social Justice (Health, Welfare Schemes, Vulnerable Sections), Governance (Government policies, Constitutional principles, Judiciary). GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Consumer protection, Health sector implications).
Syllabus mapping
This topic appears in Mains
Questions on Social Justice & Development come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.