Concerns Raised Over Misleading 'No Palm Oil' Labels in India
Misleading Marketing Tactics
New Delhi, July 8: The Ind Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) has expressed alarm regarding the rising trend of 'No Palm Oil' labels on consumer goods, labeling it as a deceptive marketing strategy. This practice has raised significant concerns among industry experts.
Palm oil, which has been a staple in Indian diets since the 1800s, is often misunderstood due to selective branding that preys on health anxieties.
Recognized for its affordability and versatility, palm oil is a popular choice among major global brands due to its long shelf life and nutritional benefits.
The IFBA cautioned that many consumers are making dietary decisions based on social media trends rather than scientific evidence.
The association urged individuals to be wary of health advice from influencers who may spread misinformation without a solid grasp of nutritional science.
Labels like 'Palm Oil Free' have replaced credible dietary guidance and are now utilized as marketing tools that exploit consumer fears, particularly in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.
"Palm oil plays a vital role in a balanced diet. However, misleading labels such as 'No Palm Oil' prioritize marketing over scientific facts," stated Deepak Jolly, Chairperson of the IFBA, referencing dietary guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
"Such narratives divert attention from the need for overall nutritional balance and could jeopardize India's self-reliance efforts, negatively impacting everyone from farmers to consumers and the economy," Jolly added.
India's annual consumption of edible oil stands at 26 million tonnes, with palm oil accounting for 9 million tonnes.
"The Dietary Guidelines for Indians–2024 from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition recognize the benefits of tocotrienols found in palm oil for lowering cholesterol and promoting heart health," noted Shilpa Agrawal, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at IFBA.
"It advocates for a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, to achieve a balanced fatty acid profile. This is based on scientific evidence, not conjecture," she emphasized.
The IFBA commended the Indian Government's launch of the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2021, which aims to boost oil palm cultivation with an investment of Rs 11,040 crore.