You will soon know what you are eating

MUMBAI: Come March 19, and all packaged foods will carry a list of ingredients and nutritional value. This is what Union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss announced on Monday during the inauguration of the emergency medical services at the Asian Heart Institute in Bandra Kurla Complex.
Ramadoss said, "Changing lifestyles have led to a spurt in the number of people suffering from diabetes and heart-related problems.It is essential for an individual to know what he is eating.''
Highlighting the need for preventive measures to curb the growing incidence of cardio-vascular and diabetic problems among Indians, he said, "India's population mainly comprises youth who--by the age of 25--fall prey to the effects of tobacco and alcohol abuse.'' These habits further add to the problem of obesity, he said.
To evolve a preventive strategy, the government had launched an awareness programme among school students in January 2008, he said. "Children are also being screened for obesity, cardio-vascular ailments and anaemia as a part of the national programme.'' he said. The ban on smoking was one of the best policies adopted by the government and was very effective in most cities, especially Mumbai, Ramadoss added.