NIN-ICMR recommends new sugar content thresholds for packaged foods and beverages: ET

For the first time, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has recommended thresholds for sugar content in packaged foods and beverages. 

The newly proposed guidelines, drafted by a multidisciplinary committee of experts, suggest stringent limits on sugar content. 

For solid foods, the threshold has been set at approximately 5% of energy from added sugar and not exceeding 10% of energy from total sugar. For beverages, the limit is approximately 10% of energy from added sugar and not exceeding 30% of energy from total sugar, including naturally present sugars in fruit juices and milk.

This development marks a departure from the previous focus on calorie thresholds for foods and beverages, with the NIN-ICMR dietary guidelines being revised for the first time in 13 years.

According to a report by ET, executives from packaged food companies have expressed concerns over the practicality of these new guidelines. They warn that if the government enforces these recommendations, it will necessitate significant changes in the formulations of most branded foods and beverages, impacting products such as soft drinks, juices, cookies, ice creams, and cereals available both online and on store shelves.

Amid heightened scrutiny, major FMCG brands like Hindustan Unilever (HUL) renamed their ‘health food drinks’ to ‘functional nutritional drinks’ (FND).

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry had also directed e-commerce platforms to stop classifying drinks like Horlicks and Boost as “health drinks”. 

Last year in December 2023, Bournvita reduced its sugar content to 32.2 grams per 100 grams. This happened after eight months when an influencer pointed out the high sugar content in Cadbury’s Bournvita ‘health drink’.

On social media, there’s sparking debate regarding high sugar content in popular products like Bournvita and Cerelac.

Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as 'Foodpharmer' has also launched a new initiative titled ‘Label Padhega India’ that urges people to read the labels of everyday packaged foods sold in India.

He has roped in several celebrities and influencers like Archana Puran Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Terrence Lewis, Ankur Warikoo, Abhinav Bindra, and Masoom Minawala among many others.