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Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora criticised the government’s attempt to regulate Indian street food, urging similar rules for chains like McDonald’s.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Tears. (PTI File)
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Monday hit out at the government’s attempt to regulate Indian street food like jalebi and samosa, saying that if such measures are necessary, then food chains like McDonald’s should also face similar regulations.
“If the government wants to put regulations on jalebi and samosa, then burgers, pizzas, and doughnuts should be regulated too,” Deora said. “If we regulate small street vendors selling samosas, then eateries like McDonald’s should also be regulated.”
While speaking with ANI, Deora emphasised that obesity is a growing concern in India and is likely to become a significant social and economic issue. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching an “anti-obesity” campaign and stressed the need for a level playing field in regulating both Indian and foreign junk food.
“Obesity is a big issue in India, and it is about to become a social and economic issue as well. I want to thank PM Modi for starting an ‘anti-obesity’ campaign on a national level. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has tried to impose regulations on unhealthy Indian foods like jalebi and samosa. The Subordinate Legislation Committee is studying this issue. We have been speaking to the FSSAI and the Health Department,” he said.
“We will present our committee’s report in Parliament,” Deora said, adding that foreign junk food should be regulated equally to Indian junk food. “America’s biggest challenge is obesity, and multinational quick service restaurants are bringing a Western culture to our country, which has a negative byproduct – obesity.”
Deora’s comments come as the Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed regulations on unhealthy Indian foods. In a fresh push to curb rising obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Union Health Ministry has directed all ministries, departments, and public institutions to display ‘Oil and Sugar Boards’ — informative posters or digital boards — making people aware of how much oil and sugar they are consuming.
The move means that canteens and common areas in government offices could soon feature messages about harmful food habits, and even menus may be nudged towards healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meals.
The campaign draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public health push. At the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on January 28, 2025, the PM had invoked the “Fit India campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of a Swasth Bharat.” Also, in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he called for a 10 per cent reduction in obesity in the country.
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