Use of salt, sugar
NEW DELHI: The amount of salt and sugar on the menus of fast food companies in India may soon come under the scanner. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said it would like to see the Union health ministry regulate the use of salt and sugar in the fast food being dished out. Experts say junk food —high on salt and sugar content — is fuelling India's hypertension and obesity epidemic. Dr Nata Menabde, country representative of the WHO, told TOI that the global health watchdogs would support India with scientific evidence to help better negotiate with companies on cutting down salt and sugar use. "The ministry should put in place effective policies to reduce consumption of salt and sugar. However, there is also a need to change the tastes of general public. We recommend the ministry should take up the issue with the food industry," Dr Menabde said. A recent "Consensus Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Living and Prevention of Obesity, the Metabol...