If implemented, the proposed guidelines could significantly reduce the sugar content in packaged products available in India.
In a significant move, India’s National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), part of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has proposed new dietary guidelines to address the high sugar content in packaged foods and beverages. This initiative marks a departure from the previous 13-year-old focus on calorie thresholds.
The revised guidelines, developed by an expert committee at NIN, establish specific limits on sugar content. For solid foods, the recommendation is that added sugars should contribute around 5% of total energy intake, with a maximum of 10% of all sugars, including naturally occurring ones. For beverages, the guidelines are stricter, proposing that added sugars should make up no more than 10% of energy intake, with a total sugar limit of 30%, including sugars in fruit juices and milk.
This shift from calorie content to sugar content highlights the growing concern over the adverse health effects of excessive sugar consumption. If implemented, these guidelines could lead to a substantial reduction in the sugar content of packaged products available in India.
Dr. Babina NM, Chief Medical Officer at Jindal Naturecure Institute, stated that over time, if these guidelines are implemented, they could lead to a reduction in overall sugar consumption and promote healthier eating habits. She noted that this initiative also increases awareness about sugar content in foods, encouraging people to carefully read labels and make more informed dietary choices.
The sugar content in packaged foods can vary significantly. Items like candy and soft drinks often contain very high levels of added sugar. Dr. Babina NM illustrated this with an example, stating, “For instance, one can of soda contains about 39 grams, or roughly 10 teaspoons, of sugar.”
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