By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Naveen Jindal on Wednesday raised an urgent concern in Parliament regarding the serious health risks posed by refined seed oils and ultra-processed foods. He emphasized the need for greater transparency, stricter regulations, and consumer awareness to ensure public health and well-being.
Key Concerns Raised by Shri Naveen Jindal:
Harmful Effects of Refined Seed Oils: Studies show that repeated refining processes destroy essential nutrients and introduces harmful trans fats, significantly increasing the risk of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods: These highly industrialized food products contain excessive preservatives, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats, contributing to rising health issues.
Lack of Clear Food Labeling: Many consumers are unaware of what they are eating due to misleading packaging and the absence of transparent labeling regarding processing methods and harmful ingredients.
Demands & Solutions Proposed:
Mandatory Clear Labeling: Shri Jindal urged the government to introduce stricter food labeling laws, requiring manufacturers to clearly mention whether a product contains refined seed oils or falls under the ultra-processed category.
White Paper on Health Impact: He called for a government White Paper on the long-term effects of these food products, citing the urgent need for scientific research and data-backed policy decisions.
Promotion of Healthier Alternatives: Encouraging the adoption of cold-pressed oils, traditional cooking methods, and minimally processed foods to safeguard the health of Indian citizens.
Shri Naveen Jindal emphasized that as India moves towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, ensuring a healthier population through food safety and nutrition awareness must be a top priority. He urged the government to take immediate steps to protect consumers from hidden health hazards and create a regulatory framework that empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices.
