India's Food System Fuels Health Crisis

India's food system is increasingly responsible for a pervasive nutritional crisis, with the rise of ultra-processed foods and shifting dietary habits identified as primary drivers. These unhealthy options are more accessible and aggressively marketed than nutritious alternatives, with 89% of food items in Indian stores being packaged.

This shift has led to a surge in noncommunicable diseases like obesity and diabetes, replacing infectious diseases as the main health concern. While prosperity grows, the affordability of fresh foods has declined for many, making healthier choices difficult to access and leading to reliance on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor diets.

Compounding these issues are weak regulatory controls. India lacks clear front-of-pack warning labels and effective rules against marketing unhealthy foods to children. Experts advocate for reforms mirroring international successes, including mandatory labels, advertising restrictions, and incentives for healthier options to secure the nation's future health.