Added sugar content in baby food and soft drinks is a matter of concern: Anurag Thakur
Former Union Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament from Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, today raised the alarm in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377 regarding the alarming amount of added sugar in infant foods and soft drinks available in the Indian market, a serious public health issue. He urged the Government to ensure strict monitoring of added sugar and implement comprehensive, more clear and effective front-of-pack labelling regulations to protect the health of consumers, especially children.
Citing global health standards, Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting free sugars to less than 10 percent of total energy intake for adults and children, ideally less than 5 percent, and recommends avoiding any added sugar in infant formula. However, studies show that some packaged infant formulas in India contain approximately 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving, while many popular soft drinks contain approximately 10.6 grams of sugar per 100 ml. Such high sugar consumption contributes to childhood obesity, early diabetes, dental problems, and other diseases in young people.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated warnings about the growing threat of obesity, Anurag Singh Thakur cited his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in 2025, where the Prime Minister described obesity as a “silent crisis” that could pose a major challenge to the nation. Prime Minister Modi called on every family to reduce cooking oil consumption by 10%, saying, “If every family decides to reduce cooking oil use by 10%, the nation’s health will benefit.”
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized that Modi’s call is a commendable effort towards reducing harmful fats, which, combined with excessive sugar, contribute to obesity and related health problems. He also mentioned the Prime Minister’s emphasis in his Mann Ki Baat and other public addresses, where Modi stated that “by making small changes in our eating habits, we can make our future strong, fit, and disease-free,” and also nominated influential people to spread awareness on reducing edible oil intake to fight obesity.
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized that the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages requires strong regulatory intervention. To further strengthen consumer protection, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur called for the implementation of a clear, prominent, and easily understandable front-of-pack labeling system, including pictorial warnings or star-based ratings that clearly highlight high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. He stated that such labeling will empower consumers to make informed dietary choices, encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products with healthier ingredients, and discourage excessive consumption of high-sugar products. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s call to reduce oil and fat intake as part of a comprehensive dietary change to combat obesity.
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur also noted that many countries have adopted bold front-of-pack labeling practices as part of global best standards, which has improved public awareness and led to healthier consumption patterns. Aligning India’s regulatory framework with these international practices will not only enhance transparency but also strengthen India’s leadership role in public health governance. Decisive action on sugar monitoring and labeling is essential to protect children’s health, reduce long-term healthcare burdens, and advance the national vision of a fit, healthy, and productive India.
