Govt. forms panel to stop misleading ads on processed foods.

Union Govt sets up committee to tackle ‘misleading’ advertisements on processed foods.

The Centre has formed a 19-member committee, headed by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, to counter misleading publicity about processed food. The committee draws its members from other ministries, including health and consumer affairs, and industry representatives, and will assume the role of a “policy-making body giving overall directions and guidance to counter misleading publicity about the processed food products.”

The Ministry of Food Processing and Industries has notified the constitution of the committee and its terms of reference. The committee will soon hold its first meeting, said a source.

The committee would develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to identify, prevent, and address misleading publicity of processed foods, ensuring accurate information for consumers and fostering ethical advertising practices in the processed food industry, as per the terms of reference of the committed.

“The committee shall focus on identifying misleading publicity, recommending regulatory frameworks, and ensuring effective communication to protect consumer rights and promote transparency and positive aspects of the processed food sector,” it states.

Among the 19 members of the committee are the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Food Processing Industries secretary, Consumer Affairs secretary, FSSAI chairman, APEDA chairman, and representatives of industry chambers — FICCI CII and ASSOCHAM. Besides, the committee also has representatives of other industry organisations like the All India Food Processors’ Association, Federation of Sweets & Namkeen Manufacturers, Indian Beverage Association, and Plant Based Food Industry Association.

The food processing sector has emerged as a significant driver of growth in recent years, recording an average annual growth rate of around 5.35 per cent in 8 years through 2022-23. During this period, the food processing sector’s growth rate has been higher compared to the agriculture and allied sectors.

The food processing sector contributed 7.66 per cent and 8.45 per cent of Gross Value Addition in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors respectively during 2022-23, according to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The sector also plays a significant role in providing job opportunities.

“According to the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2021-22, the total number of persons engaged in the registered food processing sector was 20.68 lakhs. The unregistered food processing sector supported employment to 51.11 lakh workers as per the NSSO 73rd Round, 2015-16 and constituted 14.18% of employment in the unregistered manufacturing sector,” states the annual report of the Food Processing Industries Ministry for the financial year 2023-24.