Devil Is In Food Processing, Additives, Labelling, Packaging And Advertising

We are cautious about the quality of our car fuel, but blissfully ignorant of the consequences of what we consume, its hygiene, disguised unhealthy contents, attractive harmful packaging, misleading and deceptive labels, and alluring targeted advertisements.

- DR P.S. VENKATESH RAO

The idiom "the devil is in the details" is true about the real health hazards of small, seemingly insignificant aspects of "convenience" foods, "comfort foods", ultraprocessed, processed, and packaged foods, snacks, savouries, and sweets.

Food processing utilizes a variety of chemicals, broadly classified as additives, preservatives, and processing aids. Except humans and their pets, all animals eat only what they can digest raw, live in harmony with nature, and stay active and healthy without the services of a veterinarian. They cannot afford to fall ill as they are likely to be consumed by a carnivore or scavenger (vultures or hyenas).

We live a stressful, sedentary, toxic, indulgent, urban life, and expect miracles from our doctors and health system after the damage is done.

VISUAL BOARDS TO CREATE AWARENESS: On June 21, 2025, the Union Health Secretary said, "We are proposing display of Sugar and Oil Boards as an initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings."

Unlike media reports that "warning labels" will be issued for Indian snacks such as samosas and jalebis, and comments by some politicians to this effect, these visual reminders do not specifically target or ban any particular Indian snack or sweet. They warn people about fat and sugar-rich food. The salt content of popular snacks should also be highlighted. The percentage daily value indicates how much of a day's requirement is present in a food unit, as just one sweet may have more calories, and a savoury may have more salt than needed in a day.