Fact Check: Has the Health Ministry Issued Warnings on Samosa and Jalebi Like It Does for Cigarettes?
A viral claim circulating on social media alleges that the Health Ministry Issued Warnings on Samosa and Jalebi Like It Does for Cigarettes. The claim is FALSE.
Claim
A viral claim circulating on social media suggests that popular Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis may soon carry warnings similar to those found on tobacco products. In the post by globalpmedia, is titled, "Samosa, jalebi to carry oil & sugar warnings in public spaces soon" and captioned, "Samosa and jalebi join cigarettes on the warning list! Govt orders “oil & sugar boards” in cafeterias and public spaces to alert you about hidden fats and sugars in your favorite snacks.
Brief in Detail:
The Health Ministry has directed all central institutions and government cafeterias to install “oil and sugar boards” displaying the fat, sugar, and oil content in popular Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis, pakoras, and vada pav. These bright warning boards—modeled after cigarette warnings—aim to raise awareness about the health risks of excessive sugar and oil, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The initiative, starting at AIIMS Nagpur, is not a ban but a push for informed choices, as India faces a rising obesity crisis with projections of 44.9 crore overweight citizens by 2050. Experts call this a major step in fighting lifestyle diseases and promoting the Fit India movement"
The post can be accessed here.
Multiple videos and posts have amplified the message. A YouTube video by AB Star News 24×7 is titled "Now samosa is also like tobacco! New warning shocked everyone | Junk Food Warning | Fit India." It can be seen here.
Another video by Sokka Times claims, "Now a warning board like a cigarette will be put on samosa and jalebi too." It can be viewed here.
Hook.Online reports that the Indian government is introducing health warning boards for high-fat, high-sugar snacks like samosas and jalebis to combat rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases and is titled, "Are Jalebi and samosa the new tobacco & come with a statutory warning? The Indian govt is introducing health warning boards for samosas and jalebis to combat rising obesity and lifestyle diseases. The aim is to educate the public about the health risks of consuming these snacks and encourage healthier dietary choices." It can be seen here.
A post by FLY- First Love Yourself is captioned "Now warning will be put on samosa and jalebi too! | Boards will tell the truth about fat and sugar" It can be viewed here.
Additionally, news9live, post is captioned, "Is samosa=smoking? Everyday snacks like jalebi and samosa could soon have statutory warnings. The Health Ministry has asked all central institutions — including AIIMS Nagpur — to install bold “Oil & Sugar Boards” highlighting the hidden fat and sugar content in everyday snacks such as pakoras, samosas, and vada pav." The video can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The claim is FALSE. The Government has not issued any such notice. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that it has only released a general advisory encouraging healthy eating in workplaces. However, no official directive has been issued mandating health warning labels on these food items.
Has the Health Ministry Issued Warnings on Samosa and Jalebi Like It Does for Cigarettes?
Viral reports claiming that the Union Health Ministry has directed cigarette-style warning labels on Indian snacks like samosa, jalebi, and laddoo are false and misleading. The Health Ministry has issued a general workplace advisory to promote healthy eating, but no directive has been issued to label these foods with health warnings. The Press Information Bureau has also clarified that the media reports are FALSE.
In reality, the Health Ministry has issued a general workplace advisory aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. This advisory is part of a larger initiative to address the growing burden of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases in India. It recommends the display of educational boards in common workplace areas such as lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, and meeting rooms. These boards are meant to raise awareness about the harmful effects of consuming foods high in hidden fats, salt, and excess sugar.
Importantly, the advisory does not mandate warning labels on any specific food products, nor does it target traditional Indian snacks or the country’s street food culture. It is a behavioral nudge designed to help individuals make informed food choices, rather than a regulatory or enforcement measure.
The advisory also includes broader wellness messages, such as promoting the intake of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meal options, as well as encouraging physical activity in the workplace like using stairs, taking short exercise breaks, and creating walking-friendly environments.
This effort is part of the Ministry’s flagship National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The initiative recognizes that excessive consumption of oil, sugar, and salt are major contributors to the rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions in the country.
The X post by Ministry of Health posted the notice with the caption, "#HealthForAll
Advisory issued by Union Health Ministry to display Oil and Sugar Boards in workplaces is an initiative to promote healthier dietary habits
These Boards serve as behavioural nudges regarding hidden fats and excess sugar in various food products
The Advisory does not direct carrying of ‘Warning Labels’ on certain food products
Health Ministry Advisory does not target Indian snacks and India's rich street food culture"
Further, The Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Government of India issued a press release debunking the viral media reports. The PIB stated, "There have been some media reports claiming that the Union Health Ministry has directed to issue Warning Labels on food products such as samosa, jalebi and laddoo. These media reports are misleading, incorrect, and baseless."
It can be concluded that these reports and videos are False and Misleading.
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The viral claim that the Union Health Ministry has ordered cigarette-style warning labels for Indian snacks like samosa and jalebi is FALSE. The Ministry’s advisory is workplace-focused, non-binding, and does not single out any particular food items. The Press Information Bureau has clarified that the Health Ministry’s advisory does not mandate warning labels on food items sold by vendors. It is not selective against Indian snacks and does not aim to target or undermine the country’s vibrant street food culture.
Hence, the viral claim is FALSE.
