‘Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy’: Union Health Minister Launches Nationwide Campaign on World Food Safety Day 2025

Bengalure: In a landmark effort to tackle rising obesity and promote preventive health, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda today delivered the keynote address at a special programme commemorating World Food Safety Day 2025 at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Themed “Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy,” the event was organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The programme underscored the importance of food safety and nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” through preventive health and traditional dietary practices.

Also in attendance were Karnataka’s Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development Dr. Sharanprakash R Patil, Members of Parliament Lahar Singh Siroya and P C Mohan, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, and senior officials from the Government of India.

In his address, Nadda expressed concern over the growing burden of obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses, emphasizing the need for widespread nutritional awareness. Citing data from the ICMR–India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, he revealed that urban obesity rose by 39.6% between 2008 and 2020, with a 23.1% increase in rural areas.

“Eating right is a right that must be exercised. And it’s a collective responsibility—of government, industry, academia and individuals—to ensure this,” said Nadda. He stressed that nutritious, safe and balanced diets are key to building immunity and preventing disease, reaffirming this year’s World Food Safety Day theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action.”

He warned against the health risks of ultra-processed and adulterated foods, particularly among children, and urged for early education to instill healthy habits. “Children are highly vulnerable. We must embed awareness at an early age to shape lifelong choices,” he noted.

Nadda also lauded FSSAI’s innovative Sugar and Oil Boards in schools and workplaces as a behavioural change tool, suggesting the inclusion of calorie counts for added impact. He called on all stakeholders to embrace the Prime Minister’s call to reduce oil consumption by 10% and cut down on salt intake, thereby making food choices more informed and healthier.

The event saw the launch of the ‘Awareness Initiative to Stop Obesity’ under FSSAI’s flagship Eat Right India programme. This initiative aims to create a mass movement around healthy eating using a multi-channel communication approach including sign language, regional languages, FM radio, railway announcements, and digital platforms.

A video featuring celebrity chef Ranveer Brar endorsing the campaign and urging citizens to reduce oil intake was also unveiled.

Additionally, the ‘Eat Right Activity Book – Your Guide to Eat Right at School’ was introduced. This educational resource for children across primary to high school levels promotes food safety, hygiene and nutrition through interactive, age-appropriate activities.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the importance of inter-sectoral action and early sensitization to embed a culture of food safety and healthy eating. She reiterated that dietary habits are not just personal choices but a public responsibility tied to national health outcomes.

Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, highlighted initiatives like integrating Shri Anna (millets) in school meals and strengthening physical education. “Good food is essential for cognitive function. Healthy children make a healthy nation,” he remarked.

The event was attended virtually by key officials including ICMR Director General Dr. Rajeev Bahl, FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, and Health Secretaries from several states and UTs. Representatives from the food industry, development agencies, and public institutions also joined.

As the country marks World Food Safety Day, today’s initiative signals a strong commitment to making nutrition a national priority and galvanizing citizens toward healthier, safer, and more informed food choices.