What samosas and jalebis reveal about India’s obesity crisis

Lata MishraTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Jul 16, 2025 | 22:08 IST
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As a debate swirls over food bias, experts say the real danger isn’t just jalebis or samosas, but how often we eat them, how they are made, and what’s missing from the labels of the packaged foods we trust



A government health advisory about visual warnings on cafeteria walls — to nudge people towards healthier food choices — has ignited controversy, alarm and confusion, thanks to certain media reports suggesting samosas, jalebis and laddoos were being “targeted”. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) quickly stepped in to clarify — the Union health ministry’s directive was never about banning traditional snacks. No food items were singled out, it said.
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