Overview

• Launched July 13 at AIIMS Nagpur, the voluntary pilot asks schools, offices and public canteens to display nutrition boards listing fat and sugar content of desi snacks.
• FSSAI data show that a single samosa supplies 362 calories and 28 grams of fat while a vada pav contains 263 calories and 9.5 grams of fat, with many snacks offering negligible fiber, vitamins or satiety.
• Experts warn that repeatedly reheating oil generates toxic compounds like acrylamides and trans fats that boost LDL cholesterol and form AGEs linked to diabetes, heart disease and kidney damage.
• Specialists highlight that refined carbohydrates and oil toxins trigger inflammation and insulin resistance, making snack calories biologically harmful compared to those from whole foods.
• Nutritionists recommend cooking traditional snacks at home in fresh high-quality oil, using healthier ingredients and integrating them into a balanced diet rather than imposing bans.