India has to act on its ‘sugar’ problem

The article discusses India's 'sugar problem,' highlighting the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposal for front-of-pack (FOP) warning labels on packaged foods high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS). While a welcome first step, the article argues it's insufficient due to lack of enforcement, exclusion of the unorganised food sector, and the need for a well-designed, tiered sugar tax. It points out the rising rates of obesity and diabetes, especially among children and the poor, and contrasts India's current flat GST on sugary drinks with the UK's tiered levy, which incentivized manufacturers to reduce sugar content. The piece advocates for mandatory food standards, limits on marketing unhealthy food to children, and a calibrated sugar tax to protect public health.