Label Padhega India! Why do clean labels matter and how do they benefit growing kids?

If you follow healthy shopping guidelines, you might already know the importance of reading nutrition labels while shopping for food.

Reading nutrition labels provides numerous benefits, such as it helps in understanding ingredient lists, serving sizes and provides detailed information about the nutrient content (macronutrients, vitamins, minerals etc.) of foods.

Despite these advantages, many consumers in India often overlook labels and focus mainly on MRP and expiration dates before buying any food product.

A recent survey conducted in Indore city indicates that 57.7% of consumers do not understand food labels and 52.5% of consumers do not read the ingredients list mentioned on nutrition labels while shopping for their food or beverages. Moreover, 61.8% of consumers confirm that their choice of food is not based on nutrition information.

To address this issue, Revant Himatsingka, aka Foodpharmer, has launched the “Label Padega India” campaign recently.  This initiative aims to educate consumers about the hidden truths behind food labels and promote more informed food choices. The campaign is gaining significant traction and receiving immense support from celebrities and influencers across the country.

Why Clean Labels Matter?

Clean labels are crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in the food industry. They enable consumers to know the detailed ingredient list and nutritional profile of products and help them make well-informed dietary choices. Clean labels reflect the purity and authenticity of a product and empower consumers to take better control of their health and well-being.

For parents, knowing the nutritional content of food products is vital to ensure their children receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Misleading labels can hide the presence of unhealthy additives, excessive sugars, and harmful fats which can adversely affect a child’s health and may impact their age-appropriate development negatively.

Importance of Encouraging Children to Read Nutritional Labels

Teaching children to read labels not only helps them make healthier choices but also instills lifelong habits of mindfulness and health consciousness. Here are some amazing benefits of encouraging kids to read nutritional labels.

• Nutritional Literacy: Kids become aware of different nutrients and their benefits by reading labels. This information enhances their nutritional literacy and helps them make healthier food choices throughout their lives.
• Avoiding Allergens: Reading labels also helps in identifying potential allergens and helps in protecting children from food allergies.
• Preventing Obesity: By avoiding foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats, children can maintain a healthy weight.

Nutritional Needs of Growing Kids

Children require a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to support their growth and development.

The Key nutritional components include:

• Carbohydrates: They are the body’s primary source of energy and support brain function and physical activity.
• Protein:  protein plays an important role in growth and repair of tissues.
• Calcium: Calcium is vital for healthy teeth and bone development.
• Iron: Iron is important for blood production and preventing anemia.
• Vitamins and Minerals: they are necessary for overall health and immune function.
• Healthy Fats:  healthy fats are important for brain development, hormone production, and overall cell function.

Focusing on the nutritional profiles of various food groups can help meet these needs. Thus, kids must consume a healthy and well-balanced diet which includes whole grains, fruits-vegetables, dairy and protein sources appropriately.

• Whole Grains (like Millets):  Whole grains like millets are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide sustained energy, aid in digestion and support the healthy development of kids.
• Dairy: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D. They support bone health and play a vital role in preventing chronic diseases.
• Fruits and Vegetables: They contain various vitamins and antioxidants and help boost immunity and overall health.
• Protein Sources: protein sources such as pulses, beans, nuts and seeds provide necessary proteins and support healthy muscular development.

By focusing on the nutritional profiles of these foods, parents can ensure their children receive the necessary nutrients for healthy development.

Label Padega India campaign

Revant Himatsingka launched the “Label Padega India” campaign to address misleading food marketing practices and advocate transparency in the food industry. The campaign encourages consumers to read food labels and understand the contents of their products. This campaign is supported by celebrities like Archana Puran Singh, and Dinesh Karthik, and influencers such as Ankur Warikoo and Abhinav Bindra and garnered significant attention all over the country.

The “Label Padega India” initiative is a great step in the right direction towards ensuring the health and well-being of the nation’s children. As awareness grows, it is important that parents, educators and policymakers advocate for more stringent labeling regulations and support the production and availability of clean-label products.

Moreover, manufacturers should be encouraged to adopt transparent practices and prioritize natural, safe ingredients in their products. Schools and educational institutions can play a significant role by incorporating clean-label products in their meal programs and educating students about the importance of reading labels and making informed food choices.

Self declaration by brands that have a clean label can also go a long way in promoting healthy eating. Skyroots is a clean label brand and if we can have a nationally approved icon like we have for veg and non veg today, it can help masses pick better products.

Conclusion

The “Label Padega India” campaign by Foodpharmer underscores the importance of clean labels and the role they play in ensuring the health and well-being of growing children. By encouraging children to read and understand food labels, parents can help them develop healthier eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. As more consumers join this movement, the demand for transparency and better quality in the food industry will continue to grow, leading to a healthier future for all.