Samosa, gulab jamun and pizza to carry health warnings like cigarette packs

That golden, crunchy samosa on your office plate might soon come with a side of reality check.

In a move that mirrors how cigarette packs carry cautionary labels, the Union Health Ministry has asked all central ministries and departments to put up “Oil and Sugar Boards”—informational displays that spell out the hidden fat and sugar content in snacks like samosa, kachori, pizza, burger, fries, gulab jamun, chocolate pastries and soft drinks.

Yes, your tea-time treats are officially on watch.

The idea is to make people pause and think before reaching for that extra deep-fried treat—just like graphic warnings on tobacco products nudge smokers.

It doesn’t stop there. The ministry wants health messages printed on everything from letterheads to notepads, ensuring gentle reminders about obesity and lifestyle diseases are just a glance away—even while you’re stapling files.

This campaign comes in response to a rising alarm: India is witnessing a rapid surge in obesity. According to the National Family Health Survey (2019–21), over 1 in 5 urban adults is overweight. A recent study by The Lancet Global Burden of Disease warns that if current trends continue, India could have nearly 45 crore obese adults by 2050, ranking second globally in the obesity crisis.

Chairing the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora even urged that global fast foods like pizza and doughnuts should be treated on par with local indulgences like jalebi and samosa when it comes to health risks.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, in a letter dated June 21, noted that obesity doesn’t just bring on diabetes, hypertension and heart disease—it hits mental health, mobility, and the country’s economic productivity.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for lifestyle changes at the 38th National Games in Dehradun and through his “Mann Ki Raat” programme, the letter urges ministries to support the Fit India vision and take the lead.

So what does this mean for your office?

Cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other common spaces may soon display digital or static posters highlighting the hidden fats and sugars in common foods.

Stationery will carry bite-sized health nudges.

Healthier office snacks, fruit bowls, low-fat options, fewer sugary drinks and active habits like stair use and walking breaks will be encouraged.

Think of it as a gentle tap on the shoulder every time you reach for that extra gulab jamun.

“The idea is to spark behavioural change using everyday cues,” Srivastava said. “Together, we can make Healthy India a workplace revolution.”

Prototypes of the display boards were attached in the letter, and can be customised as needed.

So the next time you spot your samosa staring back with a calorie count—you’ve been officially warned.