Economic Survey Recommends Restrictions on Junk Food Advertising

The Central Economic Survey raises an alarm about people who eat ultra-processed foods which contain excessive fat and sugar content. The survey proposes a solution through a study which will investigate the possibility of implementing a junk food advertising ban that would stay in effect from 6 AM until 11 PM. The organization proposed stricter regulations for advertising activities that target milk products and beverages specifically designed for infants and toddlers.

Economic Survey Presented in Parliament

On Thursday Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey for the financial year 2025-26 to both houses of Parliament. The survey focused on the need to reduce the intake of highly processed foods and highlighted their impact on public health.

Health Risks Linked to Junk Food Consumption

The survey demonstrated that people who regularly eat burgers and noodles and pizzas and soft drinks face an increased chance of developing chronic health issues. The food items belong to the category of junk food which includes ultra-processed products.

According to the survey:

• The consumption of junk food in India experienced an increase that exceeded 150 percent during the period from 2009 to 2023.
• The retail market for ultra-processed foods expanded from $0.9 billion in 2006 to $38 billion by 2019.
• Obesity rates have approximately doubled for both men and women.

The survey declared that national health improvements need to extend beyond personal dietary choices. People need better policies that will enable them to choose healthier food options.

Call for Policy and Marketing Reforms

The Economic Survey stressed that food systems need better management through stronger governance. The study recommended that junk food production and marketing practices should undergo regulation to decrease health hazards which affect the general public.

The main recommendations included

• A potential junk food advertisement ban which would apply to all media outlets between 6 AM and 11 PM.
• The study recommends that advertising restrictions should apply to products which target customers who are between the ages of infancy and toddlerhood.
• Mandatory nutrition labels on junk food products showing fat, sugar, and salt content

The survey concluded that these measures could help reduce unhealthy food consumption and support better health outcomes nationwide.