The Chairperson of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), S Mahendra Dev, has raised concerns over the increasing consumption of processed foods across India, warning that the easy availability of such products, even in rural regions, poses major health risks for future generations.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation—which focused on upcoming changes in inflation and economic growth—Dev said that processed foods like chips and Kurkure were far more accessible in the market than fruits and vegetables.
“Chips and Kurkure are easily available in rural areas compared to fruits and vegetables,” Dev said, stressing that healthier food choices must be made more accessible, especially for children.
He cautioned that ignoring this trend could lead to serious public health issues such as rising obesity levels. According to him, the affordability and convenience of packaged foods were driving families—especially working couples—to rely heavily on ready-to-eat snacks, which is gradually becoming a health concern.
Processed Food Consumption Rising Across India
Citing official surveys, Dev noted that processed foods and beverages now account for 21% of total food consumption in rural areas, while the figure is estimated to be over 25% in urban regions.
He explained that this shift in eating habits has occurred rapidly over the past decade, with families increasingly substituting traditional staples with packaged products. Even in rural parts of the country, the share of cereals and fruits has fallen sharply to around 10%, while consumption of eggs and meat has increased, eating into the cereals’ share.
“Consumption patterns have changed significantly in the last 10 years,” he said.
Need for Industry Collaboration and Public Awareness
Dev emphasised that addressing this issue requires deeper engagement with the food industry to ensure that healthier snacking options are widely available and affordable. He said that while no immediate policy changes have been announced in this regard, the government plans to focus on public education and dialogue with industry stakeholders.
“There is a need to work with industry to ensure a better supply of healthy products,” Dev added.
He pointed out that lifestyle changes—especially among working couples who struggle to cook daily due to packed schedules—have increased dependency on processed foods, making it a broader health-related challenge.
Economy Evolving, Index Revision Needed
The EAC-PM chairperson also highlighted the need for regular revisions in critical economic indices to mirror India’s evolving consumption and structural patterns. With the economy undergoing major transitions in the last few years, revising the base year for important indicators is essential, he said.
“There is a need for base revision every few years as the economy evolves. New indices are being created to incorporate these changes,” Dev explained.