No warning labels for samosas or jalebis: Health ministry advisory only for workplaces, clarifies GoI

New Delhi: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed media reports claiming that the Union Health Ministry has directed all central government institutions to issue warning labels on traditional Indian snacks such as samosas, jalebis, and laddoos.

In a post under its PIBFactCheck initiative, the government clarified that the viral claim is fake. The Health Ministry has not issued any advisory mandating warning labels on specific food items.

“The advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is about displaying Oil and Sugar Boards at workplaces,” PIB stated, adding that the goal is to encourage healthier eating habits among employees, not to single out or stigmatise particular foods.

The move is part of a larger public health initiative aimed at creating awareness around the intake of sugar and oil, particularly in work environments. However, there is no instruction related to labelling or banning popular Indian sweets or snacks.

The clarification comes amid social media buzz and misleading reports that caused confusion and concern among citizens across the country.