Why the Economic Survey wants warning labels and higher taxes on ultra-processed foods

['Anonna Dutt', 'Anonna Dutt Is A Principal Correspondent Who Writes Primarily On Health At The Indian Express. She Reports On Myriad Topics Ranging The Growing Burden Of Non-Communicable Diseases Such As Diabetes', 'Hypertension To The Problems With Pervasive Infectious Conditions. She Reported On The Government S Management Of The Pandemic', 'Closely Followed The Vaccination Programme.', 'Her Stories Have Resulted In The City Government Investing In High-End Tests For The Poor', 'Acknowledging Errors In Their Official Reports.', 'Dutt Also Takes A Keen Interest In The Country S Space Programme', 'Has Written On Key Missions Like Chandrayaan', 'Aditya', 'Gaganyaan.'] The Indian Express 2026-01-29 14:09:48

Marketing restrictions, warning labels, and the highest tax slab with surcharges — these are some of the measures suggested by the Economic Survey for addressing the challenge of increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). This is the second year in a row that the survey has taken note of the health impact of ultra-processed foods. There has been a 40-fold increase in the sales of ultra-processed foods in India, increasing from $9 billion in 2006 to nearly $38 billion in 2019. What are ultra-processed foods (UPF)? Unless we tackle advertising, the warning labels will not have much impact.