JP Nadda Applauds FSSAI’s Visual Tools and ‘Eat Right’ Book to Tackle Obesity and Promote Healthy Eating in India
Nadda Praises FSSAI’s Innovative Visual Tools and ‘Eat Right’ Book as Key Steps in Combating Obesity and Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has lauded the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for its groundbreaking efforts in raising public awareness about healthy dietary choices through visual tools and educational initiatives. Speaking on the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025 at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, Nadda described the new initiatives as timely and crucial in India’s ongoing battle against obesity and poor nutritional awareness.
Highlighting the growing health risks linked to unhealthy eating patterns, Nadda emphasized that the FSSAI’s awareness campaign is an essential step in addressing the widespread challenges of obesity and related lifestyle diseases. He stressed the urgent need to promote balanced and nutritious diets, especially at a time when poor food habits are becoming increasingly common across all age groups.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the event was the introduction of innovative visual tools such as sugar and oil boards, designed by FSSAI to illustrate the presence of hidden sugars and fats in everyday food items. These boards are being rolled out in schools, workplaces, and public institutions, where they can be placed in cafeterias, corridors, and meeting rooms. The Minister praised these tools as “powerful instruments” that serve as constant reminders to make informed and healthier dietary decisions. According to Nadda, such visual interventions play a subtle yet effective role in influencing public behavior by embedding health messages in everyday environments.
The Health Minister also drew attention to the influence of flashy and misleading food advertisements on children, which often promote unhealthy snacks and sugary products. He pointed out that early education is key to creating a long-term impact and fostering a culture of healthy living from a young age. Recognizing the role of children as change-makers, he emphasized the importance of starting awareness efforts at the school level.
Further strengthening this educational push, the FSSAI also launched the Eat Right Activity Book at the same event. This engaging new resource is aimed at enhancing knowledge about food safety, hygiene, and nutrition among schoolchildren. The book has been crafted by a team of leading health and education experts and is tailored for students at the primary, middle, and high school levels. With interactive and age-appropriate content, the book encourages children to not only adopt healthy eating habits themselves but also become ambassadors of nutrition within their schools and families. The resource is structured to integrate seamlessly with both curricular and extracurricular learning frameworks, thereby expanding its reach and impact.
Reinforcing his commitment to public health, Nadda reminded all stakeholders that healthy eating is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility. He called on the government, industry, academic institutions, and individuals to work together in ensuring access to nutritious food and spreading awareness about its benefits. “Eating right is a right that one must exercise,” he stated, underlining the fundamental role of nutrition in ensuring physical and mental well-being.
This landmark event marks a significant advancement in India’s public health strategy, combining policy, education, and behavioral science to create a healthier future. With a focus on prevention and early education, these initiatives by FSSAI signal a new chapter in the country’s approach to food safety and nutritional awareness.
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